This undated handout combination image of two photos released by New South Wales Police on Wednesday shows Mark Stocco, left, and his father Gino Stocco, right, two of Australia’s most wanted men, who were caught after leading police on a near two-week chase that riveted the nation, with a decomposed body found at their isolated hideout.

Two of Australia’s most wanted men, a father and son, were caught on Wednesday after leading police on a near two-week chase that riveted the nation, with a decomposed body found at their isolated hideout.

The case of Gino and Mark Stocco — on the run for eight years — has enthralled Australia’s media since they opened fire on police during a car chase, with authorities launching a manhunt across three states for the men dubbed “modern day bushrangers.”

Wanted for a string of property and violent crimes, they evaded capture despite multiple sightings until a tip-off led heavily armed police to a farm in Dunedoo, 345 km northwest of Sydney. No shots were fired. Both men suffered minor injuries as they resisted arrest.

New South Wales Police Assistant Commissioner Clint Pheeney said the body found after the arrests was believed to be that of a 68-year-old man missing since Oct. 8.

“Overall, this has been a very intense operation which has spanned a number of states,” he added, as a murder investigation was launched.

The pair had been criss-crossing between New South Wales and Victoria states for the past 12 days, with police warning they were armed and dangerous.

Pheeney defended the time it took to capture the men, who were suspected of having stockpiles of supplies and weapons along their route.

“If we look at how these people operated and if we look at the expanse of country out here, the number of roads that are sealed, unsealed, back roads, forestry trails, these people knew the bush,” he said.

“They knew the bush very well, they knew all the ways and times to avoid police.”

The men have yet to be charged but police earlier said they wanted to charge Gino, 58, and Mark, 35, with 13 offences each, including attempted murder. Both men have reportedly spent time in prison for crimes going back at least as far as 2004, when Mark assaulted his mother.

Related articles across the web

• Coroner findings due in Bill Crews inquest
• New mobile cameras on NSW train tracks capture trespassers in act
• 37 Amazing Vintage Photographs Show Street Scenes of Sydney, Australia in the Late 19th Century
• Storm Closes Ports in New South Wales
• NSW family speak out after Defqon death
• Must-see: Seal catches ride on humpback whale in amazing viral photo
• Bendigo livestock agent wins Victorian Young Auctioneers Competition
• AC/DC Rock Or Bust Beer Line Due Out In Australia
• New South Wales Police Begin Using Body Cameras
• VIDEO: Police find guns in giant teddy bear