WA Police are at the scene of an armed robbery at a pharmacy in the affluent suburb of Applecross, south of Perth.
Thursday night’s incident takes place at the intersection of Riseley Street and Canning Highway, with the freeway closed in both directions.
It is understood that there were no injuries and all customers and staff have left the pharmacy safely.
However, the person who is armed would still be in the building.
Officers used benches to barricade the front of the pharmacy, as the standoff – which began around 4:30 p.m. EST – continued into the evening.
Pharmacy 777, where police activity is centered, posted on social media that it would remain closed until further notice “due to the unfolding of the incident.”
“For now, we can reassure you that our team has been evacuated and that our main concern is the safety of our local community,” the post read.
The helicopter view of the scene shows tactical response officers with their firearms.
Ambulances are also on standby and the police presence is important.
A neighboring business owner, who did not want to be named, said there were “police and guns everywhere.”
He said no customer was able to walk in or out of his store “on one of the busiest nights of the year.”
Main Roads WA said emergency services were on site and motorists in the area were urged to use extreme caution.
The Canning Highway remains closed from Wilcock Street to Simpson Street in Applecross.
-UKTN
