TWO men and a woman have been charged with the attempted murder of a police officer who is fighting for his life after being shot in the face at a Gold Coast tavern overnight.

The two men, aged 37 and 38, and a 37-year-old woman, all from Nerang, have been charged with the attempted murder of Detective Senior Constable Damian Leeding, armed robbery and seven counts of deprivation of liberty.

Earlier, Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson told a 4am press conference that Sen-Constable Leeding, of Coomera CIB, was in a critical condition after being hit by a shotgun blast when he and another officer responded to the 000 call about an armed robbery at the Pacific Pines Tavern.

Sen-Constable Leeding, 35, is married to a police officer, Sonya, and the couple have two young children.

Sen-Const Leeding was hit by a shotgun blast when he and another officer responded to the call about an armed robbery at the Pacific Pines Tavern.

"He's critical, he's in intensive care and his family are with him at the Gold Coast Hospital at Southport at the moment," Mr Atkinson told radio station 4BC today.

Mr Atkinson said Sen Const Leeding, whom he described as a “fine officer”, had acted with “great courage”.

He said the detective's partner had also acted with bravery and courage.

“Police, when they're called to an armed robbery in progress, have no choice but to go and attend,” Mr Atkinson said.

“They have no idea at all what they're going to confront when they arrive.

“Last night the worst situation that you could possibly imagine for us has occurred.

“Police know within the nature of work they do the ever present threat and risk of danger; you can’t provide for the safety and security of people without putting your own life at risk."

No time for blame

Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers said the next 24 hours would be critical to Sen Const Leeding's recovery.

He said now was not the time to play the blame game with the Queensland Government.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Sonya and the family at this time," he said.

Mr Atkinson arrived at Gold Coast Hospital about 2.45am and met with the officer's family.

Meanwhile updates are continuing to come through on Queensland Police Twitter and Facebook pages.

"An officer from South Eastern Region suffered a gunshot wound after responding to a 000 call at a business earlier tonight," Queensland Police Service said on its Facebook page.



"He was taken to Gold Coast Hospital.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the officer and his family at this terrible time."

Coast crimewave

The Gold Coast is in the grip of a gun crime epidemic, with nearly 50 armed robberies so far this year, leading to calls for the establishment of a specialist police armed robbery squad.



A leading Queensland academic says the economic downturn is largely responsible for the increase in violent crime.



Griffith University’s Professor Paul Mazerolle, director of the university's violence research program, said existing problems with organised crime and drugs on the coast were exacerbated by economic downturn.



He said the increase in crimes using illegal firearms was cause for concerns.



“The extent to which guns is being used it is a disturbing trend," he said on morning radio.



He said there could also be an increase in illegal firearms with people looking to arm themselves for protection.