Man shot dead at rural property in Keysbrook in Perth’s south

Homicide detectives are investigating after a 44-year-old man was shot dead at a rural property in Perth’s south this morning, triggering a major police operation.

A 38-year-old man, who is known to the victim, is in custody after heavily armed police swarmed the Hilltop Orchard property in Keysbrook, a rural suburb about 70 kilometres south-east of the Perth CBD.

Police said a woman in her 40s and her child were inside the residence at the time of the shooting, but managed to flee without sustaining any injuries.

Members of the public were initially told to avoid the area as officers from the Tactical Response Group (TRG) swarmed the secluded rural property, which includes an orchard, although it is unclear whether it remains operational.

Dramatic aerial footage showed officers systematically searching multiple structures on the property, including a house, shipping containers and tin sheds, to ensure there was no ongoing threat to the community.

A woman could be seen holding her hands in the air as she walked towards officers and spoke to them before they continued their painstaking search.

Police said they found the 38-year-old man inside a parked vehicle on the property. He is assisting them with their inquiries.

Officers seized a firearm from the residence.

At least eight police vehicles, forensics officers and three St John ambulance crews were sent to the scene.

In a statement, police said the investigation remained ongoing.

“The incident has been contained and there is no ongoing threat to public safety,” it said.