<div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>A 17-year-old girl is recovering in hospital after she was shot by police at a busy pub in Townsville.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Police were called to the West End Hotel about 5.30pm yesterday over reports that a girl was armed and making threats.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Townsville District Chief Superintendent Graeme Paine said officers went around to the back of the pub and were allegedly approached by the girl armed with a "large knife".</span></div></div><div><div id="adspot-mobile-medium"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE: </span></strong><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/refugees-in-australia-face-long-term-job-downgrade-report-says/2509a1b1-8859-4c53-8c2f-fa929697ba20" rel="" target="_blank" title=""><strong><span>The thousands of Australians condemned to 'downgraded' work</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Paine alleged that, despite "use of force options" being presented, the girl continued to move towards the officers and was shot in the stomach. </span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"It was quite a confined space," he told reporters this afternoon.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"The officers then immediately commenced first aid and secured the scene because there were other members of the public present."</span></div></div><div><div class="OUTBRAIN" data-reactroot="" data-src="//www.9news.com.au/national/queensland-townsville-west-end-hotel-17-year-old-girl-shot-by-police/3ab207b4-e4df-492c-b581-b46ceac10d97" data-widget-id="AR_5"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Paramedics were called to the scene and rushed the girl to hospital, where she underwent surgery overnight.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>She is recovering in hospital today in stable condition.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"It's a very sad incident to see this happen, especially to a 17-year-old," Paine said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"It really reiterates the challenges that police can face in these situations where they go from a situation to a critical incident very quickly."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE: </span></strong><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/powerball-lotto-100-million-dollar-jackpot-largest-of-2025/e1dc3389-2988-4b0b-8fdf-0e27e23228b1" rel="" target="_blank" title=""><strong><span>Biggest Powerball jackpot of 2025 hits $100 million</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>A crime scene has been declared, and an investigation is underway.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The Ethical Standards Command is also investigating the incident and will be subject to oversight by the Crime and Corruption Commission.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>CCTV and police body-cam footage will form part of inquiries. </span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Police Minister Dan Purdie has been briefed on the incident.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"I understand Ethical Standards Command have already landed on the ground in Townsville, and are investigating this, as you would imagine, and we'll do so thoroughly," he said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"This matter is currently being investigated, and we'll wait for the results of that thorough investigation. 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