Dezi Freeman. Also known as Desmond Filby. Photo: ABC / Supplied
The two people arrested in relation to the search for alleged Porepunkah gunman Dezi Freeman were his wife and teenage son, police have confirmed.
A 42-year-old woman and a 15-year-old boy were taken into custody during a raid at a Porepunkah home on Thursday night before being interviewed by police and released.
The ABC understands the woman was Freeman's wife, Mali Freeman.
Victoria police chief commissioner Mike Bush confirmed the pair were the suspected gunman's partner and son in a press conference on Friday afternoon, but did not divulge details about the basis of their arrests.
"People were interviewed totally and specifically in relation to the homicide investigation," he said.
"There may or may not be charges that follow."
The search for Freeman, 56, is now in its fourth day and has seen extensive police resources deployed to north-east Victoria's alpine region.
Freeman has been at large since allegedly fatally shooting police officers Neal Thompson and Vadim de Waart, and injuring a third, at his property on Tuesday.
Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson (left) and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart were shot and died at the scene in rural Victoria. Photo: Supplied / Victoria Police
The shooting took place while 10 police officers were executing a search warrant for historical sex offences.
The injured police officer has had surgery in hospital and remains in recovery.
Over 450 officers involved in broader investigation
The town of Porepunkah is no longer under lockdown, though authorities have urged locals to remain on high alert.
Until Thursday, police said they believed Freeman remained in bushland surrounding the shooting site, but a "dangerous person" warning on the VicEmergency website was expanded up to Nagambie - 200km west of Porepunkah - on Friday.
Bush said the search area was determined on police intelligence and had been widened as "we're not making any assumptions".
He said more than 450 officers had been dedicated to the search operation and investigation, as well as special operators from the Australian Federal Police.
"Our people have every resource that they require for this horrific homicide," Bush said.
"I can assure the public that there is a very professional and coordinated operation in place here to bring this to a safe conclusion ... [and we want to] give the locals that assurance that we are not leaving here until this person is in custody."
Bush added that there had been "alleged sightings" of Freeman, which police were looking into, but did not give details about where or when.
"We can't confirm that they are of him, but if you think you see him, let us know, we'll explore it."
Police believe Freeman remains armed and have urged locals to be vigilant.
No terrorism links have been made to the incident so far, but Bush said "all avenues and charges" would be explored once Freeman was in custody.
-ABC
