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ABC News
ABC News
National
By Hannah Walsh and Lillian Watkins

Airlie Beach siege ends on fourth day with man in custody after shooting arrows at police

Police have been stationed around the clock at an address near Airlie Beach since Thursday afternoon.  (Supplied)

A Whitsunday man has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly shooting arrows at police during one of Queensland's longest running sieges. 

The siege lasted almost four days before police were able to safely arrest 44-year-old Paul Malcom Henderson. 

Emergency services were called to an address at Jubilee Pocket near Airlie Beach on Thursday afternoon where a 44-year-old man had barricaded himself inside a unit.

He was armed with a compound bow and edged weapons.

Inspector Tom Armitt said during the incident the man shot several arrows at police.

"Incidents involving the shooting of arrows occurred sporadically over the weekend, commencing on Saturday, and each time police were the targets of those shots," he said.

It is understood the 44-year-old did not sleep for the entire length of the siege, however police became concerned earlier this morning when he became unresponsive.

"We developed concerns for his safety as he was not moving and wasn't responding to any stimuli," Inspector Armitt said.

"We entered the property, and we safely took him into custody."

Inspector Tom Armitt addressed the media on Monday after the man was taken into police custody.  (ABC Tropical North: Lillian Watkins)

Mental health concerns

On Thursday afternoon, police attended the address to aid a specialist mental health team that was trying to take the man to hospital.

However, he barricaded himself inside when they arrived.

An emergency declaration was issued just after 4pm on Thursday and an exclusion zone of 100 metres was set around the address.

Some vehicles could access the street; however, all foot traffic was accompanied by police and residents were asked to stay indoors.

"The male refused to engage with negotiators during the entire incident," Inspector Armitt said. 

Specialist officers from the Special Emergency Response Team attended the address on Friday but left the matter in the hands of local police.

"We relied a lot on our local staffing," Inspector Armitt said.

Impact on community

The managing director of a grocery store close by said he lost nearly half of his usual profits across the weekend.

Ronald Ravikash said customers were unable to access the shop's car park.

"People could drive out, but they couldn't come back in.

"They would have to leave a car at my car park, which is private property, or the supermarket car park, which is filled up with the cars of the people that live down the street."

He said he also lost staff because they were scared, and their parents didn't want them to come to work.

"It was pretty hectic," he  said.

Jasper and Codie with Acting Inspector Anthony Cowan.  (Supplied: Queensland Police Service)

Inspector Armitt thanked residents and people from the surrounding area for their patience and understanding.

Jasper and Codie, two teens from Airlie Beach, wanted to thank officers working around the clock to keep everyone safe. 

They offered every officer working on the outer cordon a chocolate. 

Paul Malcom Henderson has appeared before the Bowen Magistrates Court but did not enter any pleas or apply for bail. 

He will next appear in court in July. 

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