A man believed to be 41 years old was shot dead by police on Friday morning after a home invasion and stabbing incident in Tuncurry, on the NSW Mid North Coast, escalated into a dangerous pursuit.

 

Police were called to a house on Heath Avenue shortly before 6:40 am after reports that a man armed with a knife and a chainsaw had forced his way into the home and stabbed a woman. While officers were on their way, they were informed that the suspect had fled the scene in a white four-wheel drive, ABC News reported.

 

At the house, officers found a 28-year-old woman with serious stab wounds. She received emergency treatment before being airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle, where she was listed in a serious but stable condition.

 

Police later spotted the suspect vehicle and began a pursuit through the Tuncurry area. During the chase, the man allegedly stopped at a petrol station and carjacked another vehicle, before crashing on the Forster–Tuncurry Bridge and stealing a third car, 9News Australia reported.

 

The pursuit continued as the suspect allegedly drove through a sportsground and later rammed a police vehicle, injuring an officer. He then made his way to Rainbow Flat, where he reportedly entered another property while still armed with a knife and attempted to steal a fourth vehicle, according to 9News Australia.

 

Police said officers deployed a Taser several times, but the man continued to move toward them. When he allegedly ran at an officer while holding a knife, the officer discharged his firearm, fatally shooting him, 9News Australia reported. Paramedics and police provided first aid, but the man died at the scene.

 

Police believe the man and the injured woman were in a relationship and are treating the matter as a suspected domestic violence incident. The man has not yet been formally identified.

 

A critical incident investigation has been launched and will be led by specialist police detectives, with oversight from independent authorities. The investigation will examine the actions of the police and the circumstances that led to the fatal shooting.

 

Authorities have appealed to members of the public with information or footage to assist investigators as inquiries continue.