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Teens charged with attempted murder of police officer

A Queensland police officer is in the “fight of his life” after being mowed down by an allegedly stolen vehicle near Brisbane on Thursday.

Two teenagers have been charged with attempted murder after allegedly running down police officer, Constable Peter McAulay, who had stopped to lay road spikes to try to intercept the car about 5am on Thursday morning.

Nine news reported that the driver is understood to have swerved to avoid the spikes, but instead ploughed into Constable McAulay, who was dragged several metres down the road.

Constable McAulay, 24, remains in a critical condition in a Brisbane hospital on Police Remembrance Day, as a 16-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl were both charged overnight with attempted murder and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

Constable McAulay who joined the force only four years ago, underwent surgery at the Princess Alexandra Hospital and was placed in an induced coma at the hospital’s intensive care unit.

As well as suffering a serious head injury, Constable McAulay also suffered broken bones and fractures, the Queensland Police Service said in a statement.

The Queensland Police Service was hoping for a good outcome for Constable McAulay before Friday’s remembrance day services honouring officers killed in the line of duty across the country.

Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers told reporters on Thursday that Constable McAulay’s partner is also a police officer.

“We want Pete to get better. We’re praying for him, but we want justice to be served as well. He is in the fight of his life.”

“We are a very close-knit policing district, we look after ourselves. Our thoughts are with this officer and his family.

“This is a tragedy. Our thoughts are with his colleagues, his partner and his family as well,” Mr Leavers told The Courier-Mail.

“I’ve had calls from all over Australia today where their thoughts are with Pete who simply is where he is now because he turned up to work trying to do the right thing.”

The incident has sent shock-waves through the police community as officers prepare to mark Police Remembrance Day tomorrow.

Support is being provided to Const McAulay’s colleagues, family and friends.

“Every officer and staff member of the Queensland Police Service (QPS) is thinking of Constable McAulay, his family and his loved ones today,” the Queensland Police Service said in a statement.

“It is the sincere hope of the QPS that Constable McAulay’s condition improves as he is treated for his very serious injuries.”

The Queensland Police Union has set up accounts for Constable McAulay:

QBANK: Peter McAulay Fund

BSB: 704 052 Acct no: 100188155

Westpac: Peter McAulay Fund

BSB: 034 838

Account number: 266003

-with AAP

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