Man shot by police now in hospital after allegedly pulling knife on officers

A man who was shot by police outside a hospital is now in a critical condition after being airlifted to treatment for his injuries.

A knife-wielding man is recovering in hospital after being shot by police outside of a separate hospital this morning.

Officers attempted to arrest the 34-year-old man outside Lithgow Hospital just before 11am before he allegedly “produced two knives and confronted them”.

One of the officers then discharged his firearm, allegedly shooting the man in the abdomen.

He was treated at the scene before being airlifted to Westmead Hospital where he remains in a critical but stable condition.

The circumstances leading up to the incident will be investigated by a critical incident team of officers from Central West Police District, with the use of the firearm also to be looked at.

Members of the public are being urged to avoid the area.

A man has been shot at a hospital in the New South Wales Central Tablelands. Source: 9 NEWS

“For police to use firearms there needs to be a threat that someone is going to be killed or extremely injured,” a police spokesman told 7 News.

Nepean-Blue Mountains Local Health District tweeted confirmed that a police operation occurred near Lithgow Hospital campus earlier on Tuesday.

“All patients and staff are safe,” the tweet wrote.

“Lithgow Hospital and its emergency department remain open.

“Police remain on the scene to assist with access to the hospital.”

A crime scene has been established.

The shooting will be investigated by a critical incident team and by the independent Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.

More to come.