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“There’s a heap of bloody vehicles, I’ve probably seen about 20.”
Purcell, who has farmed in the area for 10 years, declined to say who owned the neighbouring property, only that “they’re really good neighbours”.
“It’s a close-knit community. We’re all farmers, we all know each other.”
Freeman is alleged to have shot dead Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, 35, and Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, on August 26.
The two were part of a group of officers attempting to serve Freeman with a warrant over alleged historical sex abuse.
Another detective was seriously wounded in the incident.
Freeman then fled into nearby bushland and has not been seen since, despite a search involving hundreds of police officers that is now in its 36th day.
Police confirmed earlier this week that they had scaled back that operation.
Goomalibee had a population of 91 people in the 2021 census.
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Several residents of the area reported seeing a police helicopter circling outside Benalla on Wednesday afternoon.
John, who called in to 3AW on Wednesday afternoon, told the Melbourne radio station he saw 15 to 20 unmarked police cars, a helicopter and a BearCat – a large armoured vehicle often used in high-risk operations.
“About 25 minutes ago they stormed through Benalla, you don’t see the BearCats up here,” he told 3AW.
Officers including specialist teams from interstate and abroad have searched more than 40 square kilometres of land by foot and air in the hunt for Freeman.
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Police have received 1400 pieces of information from the public and daily offers of resource support from commissioners around Australia and New Zealand.
Mount Buffalo National Park remains closed, but visitors have been allowed to return to Porepunkah.
Businesses in the town were hit hard by emergency services directives to stay away while the search took place, and the state government announced a $2.5 million relief package for them on September 15.
Police continue to urge people in the area remain vigilant and not approach Freeman, who is considered armed and dangerous, if they spot him.
A $1 million reward and the possibility of indemnity remains available to anyone who provides information leading Freeman’s capture. This is the largest financial offer in Victoria’s history for facilitating an arrest.
Freeman’s wife Amalia and a 15-year-old boy were previously arrested and released without charge.
With AAP
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