A police officer has been shot dead in northern NSW.
The 41-year-old highway patrol officer was shot a number of times outside a block of flats in West Tamworth, just before 8am (AEDT) today, police said.
Paramedics rushed to the scene and treated the officer but he died a short time later.
Another man was also injured and is under police guard as he receives emergency treatment.
After the shooting, police began searching for another man who was seen leaving the area outside the flats immediately after the police officer was hit.
He has been arrested and taken to Tamworth Police Station.
A critical incident team is investigating the shooting.
