A 29-year-old man has died after being shot by police during a “frightening” confrontation in Sydney’s south-west, officers say.
Police said they were called to what they say was a domestic violence report at home in William Street, Yagoona, about 8.50am.
Officers were confronted by a man armed with two knives, who “pursued” them outside the house and tried to stab or slash them with the knives, NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith, said.
Smith called the event a “significant and hateful attack”, and say the man had threatened his family with the knives before police arrived.
A taser was used before the man was shot he said.
“An officer deployed a laser, that had an impact on the 29-year-old, however, he used the knives to dismantle that device,” Smith said.
“Soon after a violent confrontation occurred, that can only be described as a very frightening event for police and anyone who witnessed it.
“Both police – a male and female – withdrew from the premises and were pursued by the individual brandished with knives.”
The 29-year-old then stood over the female officer after she tripped while running and tried to slash her with a knife, he said.
He then tried to “wound or kill” the male officer, before he shot him.
Smith said he fired three rounds.
The alleged offender was given first aid, and rushed to Liverpool Hospital in a critical condition.
A critical incident investigation has been launched, NSW Police, said.
This will be subject to an independent review.