Victoria Police says it will give two officers its “full support” after a man was fatally shot when he allegedly charged at them with a knife in Melbourne’s inner-west.
The officers were called to Albert Street in Footscray about 9pm last night to reports of a man armed with a knife.
Officers directed him to drop the weapon before he allegedly charged towards them with the knife, and was shot by both officers, Victoria Police Commander Tim Tully said.
Tully said he understood the officers did not deploy capsicum spray or use their tasers before shooting the man.
“Police undertake specific training and are equipped with a range of tactical options are equipment to keep the community safe,” Tully said.
“In these circumstances, the members deemed a firearm was appropriate.
“That will certainly form part of the investigation by the homicide squad.”
Paramedics treated the man, who is yet to be formally identified, but he died at the scene.
The homicide squad and professional standards command are investigating the incident, which police say is standard practice.
“It is confronting, it is challenging, but the members and their actions last night, I’ve informed them they have my full support,” Tully said.
“[The two officers] certainly won’t be stood down, per se, we just want to make sure they are right and fit to come back to duties.”
Police are also working to determine where the knife came from.
“My understanding is there are a number of shopping centres nearby, and that will certainly form part of the investigation in terms of how that person came to be in possession of a knife,” Tully said.
“There is absolutely no reason for people moving about in the community to be carrying a knife, whatsoever.”
There’s been a heavy police presence surrounding the area this morning, with much of the area around the Footscray Plaza taped off as officers continue to collect evidence.
Extra police will patrol the area in the coming days, to ensure the community feel safe, Tully said.
“It’s a tragic incident and we’ll do everything we can to support the community, the witnesses, the bystanders,” he said.
“[It’s] also a tragedy for the deceased male’s family, and we’ll try and support them once we can identify this male.”
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said the transparency surrounding the man’s death would be important.
“Obviously this is a very distressing set of circumstances for this individual’s family but also more broadly the local community as well, who would be very concerned with what’s gone on,” Allan said.
“Which is why letting the police continue their investigation, and communicate back to the community, is going to be very important.”
