Shot officer's life support turned off

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Shot Gold Coast detective Damian Leeding has died after his life support system was turned off.

Police confirmed the passing of the 35-year-old husband and father of two today.

The detective senior constable was shot in the face on Sunday as he went to the aid of staff and patrons during an armed robbery at a Gold Coast tavern.

"The Queensland Police Service extends its condolences to his family, friends and colleagues," police said in a statement.

His family made the agonising decision on medical advice, police told reporters on the Gold Coast.

The 35-year-old husband and father of two young children was shot in the face with a sawn-off shotgun when he was called to an armed robbery at a Gold Coast tavern on Sunday night.

Two men and a woman have been charged with his attempted murder, but those charges could be upgraded with his expected passing.

"The family will take a certain course of action in relation to the life support of Damian. This will take place some time today," Assistant Commissioner Paul Wilson said.

Det Snr Const Leeding's father-in-law Gary O'Brien spoke of the family's grief at what had happened to a dedicated and loving husband and father.

"Words just fail me. It's the ultimate sacrifice," a tearful Mr O'Brien said.

"A great father, just a top bloke. He'd do anything for anybody."

Mr O'Brien said the family's decision was about what was best for "Damo".

"The injuries he sustained were quite significant. I think we got to the point on what would be the benefit to Damo," he said.

Det Snr Const Leeding's father is expected to arrive from the United Kingdom on Thursday.

Commissioner Wilson struggled to hold back tears as he spoke of his officer's courage, and the way his police mates had tried to help him.

He said police who rushed to the scene performed "beyond the call of duty" and had tracked down those now being held responsible for the crime.

Mr O'Brien spoke of a man who was driven by a desire to catch cowardly criminals who arm themselves to steal.

"A couple of weeks ago we were sitting in front of the television at their place having a beer and the news was on about all the armed holdups and he said: 'We're going to get the bastards'.

"That hasn't worked out," he said, breaking down.

He said his daughter, Sonya, and grandchildren, Hudson, two, and Grace, who's just three months old, were at the Gold Coast Hospital, preparing for the most heart-breaking of farewells.

- AAP