Police have shot a man armed with a knife on the NSW north cost

A critical incident investigation is under way after police shot a 32-year-old man who allegedly threatened them with a knife during a welfare check.

Police have shot a man armed with a knife who allegedly threatened officers who were conducting a welfare check on the NSW mid north coast.

Coffs/Clarence Police District officers were called to a park on Ryan St in Grafton to conduct a welfare check about 6.30am on Wednesday.

When they arrived at the park, officers tried to engage with a 32-year-old man, who was potentially going to self harm.

The man, who was known to police, allegedly approached officers and threatened them with a knife before he was shot.

Officers performed first aid until NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived and he was flown to the Gold Coast University Hospital in a stable but serious condition.

Richmond Police District critical incident team will investigate the circumstances around the shooting. Picture: ABC

A police spokesperson said officers involved in the incident were not physically injured.

“A critical incident team from Richmond Police District will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident,” a spokesperson said.

“The investigation is also subject to an independent review.”

Detective Chief Inspector David Silversides told media two officers aged 23 and 43 had engaged with the man, and a number of shots were fired but he was not sure how many.

He said the officers made a tactical decision to fire their weapon.

Reporters were told another two officers had arrived but did not become involved in the incident.

“There was concerns that (the man) may have been potentially going to self harm, that was the concern,” he said.

“There was concern for welfare, and we get plenty of those that we respond to every single day of the week.”

Detective Chief Inspector David Silversides told media the officers involved were aged 23 and 43-years old. Picture: ABC

The detective said body worn vision would be reviewed as part of the critical investigation into the incident, which he would oversee.

“Every day police go to work, and they face some really dangerous jobs, very challenging situations, and our job is to protect life,” he said.

“Unfortunately, in this situation they were forced to take some action and then they rendered first aid until the paramedics got there. 

“It is challenging for them. It’s challenging to the whole police family.

“We come to work to protect lives, and unfortunately, on this occasion, they’ve had to use their firearms to protect themselves.”