A police officer with 25 years of service has died after being shot while attending a rural property in northwest Tasmania.

The officer was carrying out routine duties at a property on Allison Rd in North Motton at about 11am on Monday when a male resident allegedly opened fire as he approached the house.

A second officer at the scene returned fire and was able to subdue and arrest the alleged offender.

Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today

The shot officer, a 57-year-old constable, was critically injured and died at the scene.

The alleged offender was not seriously injured.

Police said there is no ongoing threat to the wider community, but have urged the public to avoid the area.

A crime scene has been established.

The alleged offender has been taken into custody but is yet to be formally charged.

“This is a traumatic incident and wellbeing support is being provided to those involved and affected,” police said in a statement.

Tasmania Police Commissioner Donna Adams said on Monday that the officer’s name has not yet been released, as some family members are still being notified.

She added that more details about his distinguished career would be shared in the coming days.

“He was a genuine, dependable police officer who served the Tasmanian community well for the past 25 years,” Adams said.

She acknowledged that a number of first responders had witnessed the tragedy firsthand.

“The trauma for each of those officers, attending in a critical response, when one of their own has been killed — I can’t imagine the grief they are feeling at the moment, and that’s why we stand together, in support of each of those officers,” she said.

An investigation is now underway.

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff confirmed the tragic news with “enormous sadness” in a social media post.

“To everyone who had the honour of knowing this officer, especially his family and his colleagues, the love of an entire state is with you today,” he said.

“And you will have every possible support made available, as we come to grips with this heartbreaking tragedy.”

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley also paid tribute, describing it as “a tragic day for Tasmania and for our nation”.

“The loss of a police officer in the line of duty is a solemn reminder of the risks our police face to keep us safe,” she said.

“My thoughts are with the officer’s family, friends and colleagues.

“We owe a debt to our police who willingly go towards danger to keep us safe. We can never forget their service and sacrifice.”