NSW Central Coast: Man shot dead after opening fire on cops

A man wielding a long-arm firearm was shot dead by police and a second potentially armed man is on the loose, with residents told to stay indoors.

A man wielding a long-arm firearm was shot dead by police and a second potentially armed man is on the loose, with residents told to stay indoors.

The man opened fire on officers on the NSW central coast about 10am after police tracked a stolen vehicle to a property in Hamlyn Terrace.

“He was armed with a long-arm and subsequently pointed that long-arm at police,” Northern Region commander Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell told reporters.

“As a result, a number of police have discharged their firearms at that offender.”

The man is yet to be formally identified and homicide squad detectives have been called in to investigate.

Another man remains on the run and there are fears he may be armed.

The incident unfolded after police were alerted by a member of the public to a stolen vehicle.

Officers pursued it and later saw it parked at a Minnesota Rd premises, where they identified the man and a confrontation ensued.

One man was shot dead by police.

Heavily armed police are on the scene.

Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said he had met with all officers involved and they had his full support.

“From my briefing, my view is very clear. The police have acted professionally,” he said.

“I believe their actions have been very courageous, considering the actions of the offender.

“Having a double barrel firearm pointed at you, the fear of life, there can be a no more strenuous position for a police officer to be placed into.

“They have my full support.

“But importantly, this matter will be thoroughly investigated for the coroner.”

NSW Police said the investigation would be subject to independent review.

“All information will be provided to the coroner who will determine the cause of death and make any findings about the events leading to the man’s death,” a statement said.

“A police operation continues to find a second man believed to have left the scene.”

Warnervale and Tuggerah Lakes residents have been warned to stay indoors, and the nearby Warnervale Public School is in lockdown.

It is understood police have blocked Minnesota Rd in both directions – between Warnervale Road and the Pacific Highway – with Polair circling above.

Another man is on the run, and there are fears he may be armed.

Residents have been told to stay indoors.

Fairmont Boulevard is also closed at the intersection of Louisiana Rd.

One resident said: “We went past it. Big operation.”

Vision shows a police chopper circling above the area while several police cars block off the main road.

Many residents gathered to watch the incident unfold despite being urged to remain indoors.

[e-mail]