Tears flow as Cricket Australia leads heartbreaking tribute to slain Queensland Police officers

Police broke down in tears as the Australian Test cricket side paid tribute to slain Queensland Police constables Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow ahead of the first Test against South Africa.

A group of Queensland Police Service representatives including Commissioner Katarina Carroll APM and Acting Inspector Wayne Clayton were invited to the field at the Gabba in Brisbane for the tribute.

Many of the officers fought back tears as Cricket Australia MC James Sherry read a tribute to offers who were killed by gunfire after responding to a missing person’s report at a Wieambilla property in Queensland’s Western Downs this week.

Queensland Police Officers hold back tears as they pay their respects to Constable Matthew Arnold, 26, and Constable Rachel McCrow, 29

Australia’s Steve Smith comforts a representative of the Queensland Police Service while David Warner hugs another during the tribute

Players including Steve Smith, David Warner and Usman Khawaja took time out to console the officials who were shocked by the tragic death of their teammates.

Tributes were also paid to neighbor Alan Dare, who was also shot while trying to help put out a bushfire set by the killers.

‘Earlier this week our nation was shocked and saddened by the tragic events that took place in western Queensland,’ Sherry said.

‘Cricket Australia and Queensland Cricket extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, colleagues and all grieving the tragic deaths of Queensland police officers Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow and Mr Alan Dare of the Wieambilla community.

Officials, cricketers and the crowd observe a minute’s silence to pay their respects to the fallen constable and neighbor Alan Dare

Usman Khawaja shook hands and a word with a young constable who was struggling with the emotion of the tribute

‘Today we are joined by members from the Queensland Police Service … these members are working together today to pay tribute to their colleagues and the community they serve.

‘Members, as you can see, we are very grateful to those currently serving, very grateful to all past and present serving in the Queensland Police Service and across the country who bravely put their lives at risk to protect our family in the line of duty.

Tears flowed as police and the cricketing public paid tribute to the tragic loss of life at Queensland’s Western Downs

Both Australian and South African players stood arm in arm during the tribute with cricket juniors also joining the tribute

Yuggara Elder Aunty Deborah Sandy also honored the fallen officers and Mr Dare in her Welcome to Country.

‘To the families and families of our brave neighbors who lost their lives, our heartfelt condolences from the Yuggara people of the great South East,’ he said,

‘To all who serve and to the family members.’

The Queensland Police Service has been shaken by the tragedy which also saw two other officers escape with their lives

Commissioner Katarina Carroll APM (right) pays her respects with young QPS constables

The respectful crowd gave a standing ovation to the attending representatives of the Queensland Police Service and also marked a minute’s silence with the cricketers.

Fans also paid tribute to the constables and Mr Dare on social media.

‘Watching the start of the cricket and seeing Queensland Police Officers in tears in tribute to their fallen brothers and sisters was just about the most moving thing I’ve ever seen. Love and strength to @QldPolice,’ posted 2GB host Luke Grant.

‘GABBA pays tribute to Queensland police officers who have recently lost their lives in the line of duty. Respect,’ tweeted ex-NRL star Ashton Sims.

‘Moving the opening to the Test match morning as a tribute to the Queensland police officers killed last week and an indigenous leader welcomed the players and fans,’ added ESPN’s South Africa correspondent Firdose Moonda.