Tamworth police chase: two men charged with shooting at Oxley police after chase through Tamworth, Calala, Kootingal and Nemingha

The 28-year-old and 22-year-old are in custody at Tamworth Police Station, charged with a raft of offences including firearms and weapons offences after they were captured inside the grounds of the Tamworth Golf Course in the early hours of Saturday.

An unmarked police car has been taken off the road with bullet holes in the front of it, and senior police have labelled the arresting officers as incredibly brave in their efforts to capture the men.

The dangerous police pursuit was sparked after officers spotted a Ford Territory leaving a fast food restaurant off Marius Street about 2.45am.

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Police watched the Ford turn onto the New England Highway and officers signalled for the vehicle to pull over.

Officers said when the Ford failed to stop, police gave chase.

The pursuit - under lights and sirens - continued through Nemingha, Kootingal, Calala and Tamworth.

Police will allege the passenger then lent out the window and pointed a firearm at police.

Several bullet holes were later discovered in the bonnet and bumper of the unmarked silver Hyundai police car which was chasing the Ford.

Extra back-up was called and road spikes were deployed after the vehicle passed on Duri Road about 3.30am.

The Ford eventually lost control and crashed through the fence of the golf course, near the roundabout of Bridge Street and Mahoney Avenue.

Two men fled and ran from the Ford into the course. Police gave chase on foot and captured a 22 and 28-year-old.

A search of the Ford then later uncovered a shortened firearm next to the front passenger seat. Police claim the 28-year-old man also had ammunition on him.

The pair were taken to Tamworth Police Station for questioning where checks revealed the 28-year-old had a warrant out for his arrest for the revocation of his parole.

Police will also allege in court the 22-year-old is the subject of a firearms prohibition order (FPO).

The pair are facing charges of discharging a firearm with intent to resist arrest - an offence that carries a maximum penalty of 25 years' imprisonment, if convicted.

Both are also accused of three counts of possessing a shortened firearm without authority; possessing or using a prohibited weapon without a permit; and custody of a knife in public place.

The 28-year-old also faces a charge of possessing ammunition without a licence; and an outstanding revocation of parole warrant.

The 22-year-old is also accused of three counts of acquiring a firearm while subject to a prohibition order; and acquiring ammunition while subject to a prohibition order.

Both men have been denied bail and will front an out-of-sessions bail hearing on Sunday morning in Tamworth Local Court.

The Ford and the police car were both combed for clues by forensic police officers at the scene on Saturday, and have been seized as part of the police investigation.

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