A critical incident investigation is underway after a man was fatally shot by police during a siege on the Central Coast last night.

Just before 3.30pm yesterday (Wednesday, 7 January 2026), police attended a home on Wells Street, Springfield, to check on the welfare of the occupant.

Officers from Brisbane Water Police District and a mental health clinician attended and attempted to speak to a 49-year-old man.

The man armed himself with several items, including a spiked object, which was swung at police officers.

Officers utilised several options to detain the man, including the use of OC spray and a Taser; however, he retreated inside the home, and a siege situation developed.

A perimeter was established, and specialist resources, including Negotiators and the Tactical Operations Regional Support Unit, were called to assist.

About 9.25pm, an aerosol can was ignited by the man, and tactical officers entered the premises.

While officers were attempting to restrain the man, he attempted to stab an officer multiple times with a sharp object, believed to be a shard of glass.

As a result, officers discharged their firearms, and the man was shot. The man was immediately treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, he died at the scene.

A police officer was treated at the scene for a minor injury sustained during the incident.

A critical incident team from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad will lead the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The investigation will be reviewed by the Professional Standards Command and oversighted by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC).