Two officers stabbed during a fatal altercation outside a Victorian police station could require more surgery.

Police Association of Victoria secretary Senior Sergeant Ron Iddles says the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Victoria Police officers had surgery following the Tuesday night attack but might have to undergo further procedures.

“Both had surgery yesterday,” he told AAP on Thursday.

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“They may need further surgery … they will be in hospital for a few days.”

The AFP officer was stabbed three or four times, in the neck, stomach and head.

The Victorian officer received a slash to his arm before firing a shot that killed an 18-year-old terror suspect outside Endeavour Hills police station.

Both are in a stable condition in hospital.

“Although both officers are in a stable condition, we should be under no illusions about the seriousness of their injuries,” AFP acting commissioner Andrew Colvin told reporters on Wednesday.

The news came as Senior Sergeant Iddles called for every Victorian police officer to be armed in public and at station counters.

Mr Iddles said police working on reception were historically not armed, but the shooting of a terror suspect outside a police station put a spotlight on their vulnerability.

“Members have rung in concerned about some things; one of those things is dealing with the public when in a police station,” he told AAP.

“There is no security glass, you’ve only got the counter between you and the person you’re dealing with.

“We want to see the police officers armed.”

Terror suspect Numan Haider, 18, was fatally shot outside Endeavour Hills police station after attacking two policemen on Tuesday night.

Victoria Police chief commissioner Ken Lay has written to the state’s police officers and asked them to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant.

“This has been a confronting reminder to all police members about the stark realities and dangers that can present themselves at a moment’s notice,” Mr Lay said.

Sen Sgt Iddles said officers were armed in public as a general rule but there were circumstances when they may not be.

He called for them to be armed at all times to protect themselves and the public.

“If I was going to a meeting, I might drive a marked police car but I’m more than likely not going to be armed,” Sen Sgt Iddles said.

“I think whilst you’re in public, regardless of what you’re doing, officers need to be armed.

“It’s for the officer’s safety but also being in a role to protect the community.

“If you have a situation where a civilian was attacked for any reason, and it was linked to terrorism or something, and there is a police officer who doesn’t have a firearm, you can’t protect the public.”