A man who allegedly made threats to the public while armed with a knife in Tasmania has died after he was shot by police.
Tasmania Police said officers were called to Launceston’s CBD to negotiate with the man about 10am.
“Initial investigations indicate the man ignored repeated warnings by police to disarm,” police said in a statement.
Officers used pepper spray but the man allegedly continued to advance towards police.
“A number of shots were fired by two attending police officers, with two shots hitting the armed man in the chest,” police said.
The man was provided with first aid at the scene and was taken to the Launceston General Hospital in a critical condition, where he died a short time later.
Assistant Commissioner Adrian Bodnar said a police officer at the scene received non-life threatening injuries during the incident.
“No other people were injured in the incident and there is no ongoing threat to the wider community,” he said.
A full Professional Standards investigation is underway and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
The Integrity Commission has also been notified as is the normal process.
“This is a traumatic incident and a tragic outcome that no one wanted. Our thoughts are with everyone involved,” Bodnar said.
“It is an extremely difficult time for the officers involved and their families, and we have put support plans in place for them.
“Policing can be a challenging and dangerous profession, and we are ensuring the officers are being provided with wellbeing support.”
A crime scene has been established to allow investigations to be undertaken.
St Johns Street between William and Cimitiere Streets and Cimitiere Street between Charles and St Johns Streets remain closed until further notice.
