Man shot dead by police after six-hour siege on NSW Central Coast

A man has been shot dead by police after a siege at Springfield, on the NSW Central Coast. Photo / Gaye Gerard, NewsWire

A man has been fatally shot by police after a six-hour siege at a home on the New South Wales Central Coast.

Officers went to the home on Wells St, Springfield, just before 3.30pm yesterday to conduct a welfare check.

Police say a 49-year-old man armed himself with a screwdriver and other sharp objects after officers tried to speak to him.

A perimeter was established and specialist teams were called to the property.

“Police continued to communicate with the man, who refused to co-operate,” NSW Police said.

About 9.25pm, the man tried to burn an officer by lighting an aerosol can.

“Officers attached to Tactical Operations Regional Support gained entry to the premises before the man armed himself with a sharp object and stabbed at an officer multiple times.

“Police officers discharged their firearms, and the man was fatally shot.”

He was treated immediately by paramedics but died at the scene, police said.

A police officer suffered a minor injury.

A critical incident investigation has been declared, with a team from State Crime Command’s homicide squad to lead it.

The investigation will be reviewed by the Professional Standards Command with oversight by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.

Sign up to Herald Premium Editor’s Picks, delivered straight to your inbox every Friday. Editor-in-Chief Murray Kirkness picks the week’s best features, interviews and investigations. Sign up for Herald Premium here.