Specialist police are continuing a large-scale search across the state’s Central West after four people were shot - three fatally - in Lake Cargelligo on Thursday afternoon.

Emergency services were called to Bokhara Street about 4.30pm on Thursday, January 22, following reports of a shooting.

Officers from Central West Police District located a 25-year-old woman and a 32-year-old man inside a vehicle suffering gunshot wounds.

Despite treatment, both died at the scene.

Police later responded to Walker Street after reports of a second shooting.

A 50-year-old woman and a 19-year-old man were found with gunshot wounds in a driveway.

The woman died at the scene, while the teenager was taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Crime scenes have been established at both Bokhara Street and Walker Street and are being forensically examined.

Strike Force Doberta has been established to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Local police have been assisted by general duties and tactical officers from neighbouring Western and Southern region towns.

A number of specialist police personnel were flown into the area by PolAir and the Defence Force, including Tactical Operations Unit officers, negotiators and homicide investigators.

Some local businesses have now reopened and residents may move around town for essential needs, including food and medicine.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate Julian Ingram, also known as Pierpoint, aged 37, who is wanted on an outstanding warrant for murder.

Julian is described as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 165–170cm tall, of medium build, with short dark hair and brown eyes.

A local council employee, Ingram was last seen driving a council-owned Ford Ranger utility with NSW registration DM-07-GZ, described as having council signage, a metal tray back, high-visibility markings on the side and an emergency light bar on the roof.

Members of the public are urged not to approach him and to contact Triple Zero (000) immediately if sighted.

Member for Barwon, Roy Butler conveyed information from NSW Police to local Lake Cargelligo residents about last week's shootings. They include remaining in a safe position inside your home, preferably away from windows.

Police are also appealing for anyone in the Lake Cargelligo area who may have mobile phone or dashcam vision, CCTV footage, photos, screenshots or other material relevant to the incident to upload it via the NSW Police evidence portal.

Members of the public are required to provide a name and contact details when submitting material.

NSW Police have clarified there is no lockdown in place in Lake Cargelligo.

However, residents are being asked to take precautions, including remaining in a safe position inside their homes - preferably away from windows where possible - and staying alert.

People may move around town for essential needs such as food, medicine and necessary services.

Any suspicious or concerning activity should be reported to Triple Zero immediately.

Butler addresses public concern

Member for Barwon Roy Butler said the events had deeply affected the community.

“The events in Lake Cargelligo have been deeply distressing.

"My thoughts are with the victims’ families and the entire community during this difficult time,” Mr Butler said.

“I understand that the presence of low-flying helicopters and a significant number of tactical police has caused concern, particularly for children.

"I want to reassure the community that these resources are deployed solely to ensure public safety,” he said.

“Serious questions remain as to how an individual with an extensive criminal history, and who was ineligible for a firearms licence, was able to obtain a firearm and ammunition.

"This will form a critical part of the police investigation."

He also clarified police advice to the community, reiterating that residents should remain inside their homes in a safe location where possible, move around town only for essential needs, stay alert and

report anything suspicious immediately.

“Lake Cargelligo is a strong, highly connected community; everyone is coming together and looking out for and supporting one another during this challenging time,” Mr Butler said.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.

The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages