Wounded police officer dies following Telavi shooting

The police officer wounded in a firearm assault in Georgia's eastern city Telavi yesterday died in the early morning in the regional hospital where doctors worked to save her life.

A medical operation of the severely wounded Maia Javakhishvili lasted for hours but was unsuccessful as she died of gunshot wounds sustained on Wednesday.

She was brought to the Telavi District Hospital following the attack that also mortally wounded police captain Gela Lamazoshvili.

Medical personnel were flown in to the hospital from Tbilisi in a helicopter to carry out the ultimately unsuccessful operation.

The two police officers were shot with a hunting gun by a 19-year old male who opened fire from his yard located next to the Telavi Police Station.

The assailant fired from his house fence on Javakhishvili who stood in the police station yard, also opening fire on Lamazoshvili who reacted to the sound and tried to help his colleague.

Lamazoshvili died shortly after he was admitted to hospital yesterday.

The suspect was arrested minutes following the attack, with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia saying the police suspected the attacker's "psychological issues" as a cause of his actions.

Georgia's Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili released his condolences on the casualties today, noting the two police officers' loyalty and service for public order.

Police captain Gela Lamazoshvili and inspector Maia Javakhishvili spent years serving their country, protecting citizens' lives and their security. My condolences go out to families and relatives of the deceased," Kvirikashvili's public letter said.

The attack saw a widespread reaction on social media, with a public campaign for recognition of police officers' service featuring responses from hundreds of concerned citizens.

In light of the Wednesday's incident, all planned official New Year's Eve celebrations in Telavi were cancelled today.