Police are hunting for a man believed to have killed a woman and two children in an axe attack in the central western NSW town of Cowra, who has allegedly threatened to kill again.
The bodies of a woman and her two grandchildren, a five-year-old girl and a seven-year-old boy, were found in a house in Brougham Street, Cowra just after 2pm (AEST).
Senior Constable Shelley Walsh, the mother of the slain children, is now fighting for her life after turning up on her neighbour's doorstep, covered in blood and begging for help.
Police are now hunting for John Walsh, 69, who they fear may be headed to Newcastle to kill the estranged father of the young victims.
Walsh allegedly threatened to kill the father, who is also believed to be a police officer.
Greater Western Area Health Service says Sen-Con Walsh is now in a "very serious condition" after being airlifted to Orange Base Hospital.
Cowra local Vince Anderson said Sen-Con Walsh had run into his sister's house screaming for help.
"The daughter ran into her place and screaming and knocking on the door to get into her house and Cheryl opened the door and let her in and locked all the house up.
"And she said that they're all dead in there, and she's got to ring the police and she got on the phone.
"She had big gash in the side of the head where he hit her too."
A third child, aged nine, has been picked up from school by police officers and is now in protective custody.
Police are now searching Walsh, who was spotted leaving the scene in a silver Toyota Avalon with NSW plates YSW 616, and may still be armed.
He is described as man of white/European appearance, about 157cm tall, with thick wavy white hair combed to one side, a medium build, and pale blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a light-coloured shirt.
Prime TV reporter Amy Sheehan says police earlier cordoned off all roads within 400m of the house in their search for the attacker, who was seen leaving the area.
"The feeling is very intense down here. Just a few moments ago police ran from where they were at the scene to their cars and frantically drove off...so everyone is on high alert.
"We are getting varying reports, but police are very concerned that he may be in the area still."
"We're also hearing concerns that the person or the suspect may still be armed."
Members of the public are urged not to approach the vehicle but to contact police immediately.