South Mackay shooting Gunman on the run after woman shot dead and another injured, plunging a suburb into lockdown

An urgent search is underway for a gunman who shot dead a woman and injured another.

Emergency services were called to a home on Robb Place in Mackay, northeast Queensland, to reports a woman had been shot just after 4:30pm on Wednesday. 

She was declared dead at the scene while another man was found with non-fatal injuries to his hand but have been unable to locate the shooter.

Police issued a Public Safety Preservation Act about 5.20pm, locking down an area bound by Robb place and Paradise, Archibald, Kindermar and Denton Streets. 

Members of the public have been urged to avoid the exclusion area while residents have been told to stay indoors until further notice. 

Queensland Police warned the public to 'avoid the area and those within the exclusion zone are asked to remain indoors until further notice'.

The woman is understood to have been shot in the head while the man had a bullet wound to his hand, the Courier Mail reports. 

Images from the scene show police diverting traffic while officers scour the exclusion zone for the missing gunman.

Queensland Police thanked residents affected by the emergency situation for their 'patience and understanding while this matter is ongoing'.

Anyone with information has been urged to contact police.

More to come.