NSW police shoot man dead after mental health check turns into six-hour siege | New South Wales

A 49-year-old man was shot dead by police on the New South Wales Central Coast on Wednesday evening after a welfare check turned into a protracted stalemate.

Officers attended a home in Springfield accompanied by a mental health clinician just after 3.30pm on Wednesday afternoon and attempted to speak to a man after concerns were raised for his welfare.

But the man armed himself with a screwdriver and other sharp objects, assistant superintendent David Waddell said on Thursday.

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Police used a stun gun and pepper spray to subdue him. Specialist resources, including tactical operations officers, were called to assist.

About six hours later, police said the man lit an aerosol can inside the building. Officers entered the building and attempted to engage him.

Waddell said the man armed himself with a sharp object, which police believed was a shard of glass or similar object, “grabbed one of the officers and attempted to stab him several times, hitting his protective gear.”

Multiple police officers then opened fire on the man, striking him.

The man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics but died at the scene.

One police officer was slightly injured.

The State Crime Command homicide team will investigate the shooting.

“There will be a critical incident investigation team that will review police actions to ensure they comply with our policy and legislation,” Waddell said.

Waddell said the incident was a “very tragic situation” and “very sad for the family and also very challenging for our police,” adding that the man was known to police but had only a limited history with them.

The investigation was expected to take months to complete.

Police will also prepare a briefing for the coroner.