A critical incident investigation is underway after a woman was stabbed and a man was fatally shot by police during an operation in the Mid North Coast region this morning.

Just before 6.40am (Friday, 6 February 2026), officers attached to Manning Great Lakes Police District were called to a home on Heath Avenue, Tuncurry, following reports of a home invasion by a man armed with a chainsaw and knife.

En route to the location, police were advised that a woman had been stabbed by the man who left the location in a white 4WD.

At the home, officers located a 28-year-old woman with serious wounds. She was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being airlifted to the John Hunter Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

A short time later, police sighted the 4WD on Stewart Parade, Tuncurry, and a pursuit was initiated.

The 4WD drove through a sportsground before the vehicle reportedly crashed on the Forster Bridge a short time later.

Police attended the bridge, locating the crashed 4WD and were told the man had carjacked another vehicle, which subsequently rammed a police vehicle. An officer sustained minor injuries.

A pursuit was initiated nearby, continuing to Idlewood Drive in Rainbow Flat, where the man drove onto a property and entered a home, still armed with a knife, before attempting to steal another vehicle.

The armed man exited the home moments later and confronted police. Officers deployed a Taser in an effort to detain the man; however, he was able to run to a neighbouring property.

A Taser was deployed multiple times before the armed man ran towards an officer, who discharged his firearm, shooting the man.

Police rendered first aid before the arrival of NSW Ambulance paramedics, who treated the man; however, he died at the scene.

While yet to be formally identified, the man is believed to be aged 41.

A critical incident team from 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).

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.