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A man has been shot dead by police after allegedly stabbing a woman multiple times, stealing vehicles and launching a dangerous pursuit across the New South Wales Mid North Coast, in what authorities believe may be a domestic violence-related attack.

The violent chain of events unfolded early Friday morning in Tuncurry, about 300 kilometres north of Sydney, leaving a woman seriously injured, a police officer harmed, and ending in a fatal police shooting after officers say their lives were directly threatened.

Police were first called to a home on Heath Avenue, Tuncurry, following reports of a violent home invasion involving weapons, including a knife and a chainsaw. A 28-year-old woman was found with multiple stab wounds and serious injuries. She was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle, where she remains in a serious but stable condition.

Authorities believe the alleged attacker, a 41-year-old man known to the woman and believed to be in a de facto relationship with her, fled the scene before police arrived.

Violent escape and carjacking rampage

Police allege the man stole a white four-wheel-drive vehicle from a nearby service station and was later spotted driving erratically on Stewart Parade in Tuncurry. Officers initiated a pursuit after he allegedly drove through a sporting field in an attempt to evade capture.

The situation escalated dramatically when the man crashed on the Forster-Tuncurry Bridge and allegedly carjacked a ute, continuing his escape while ramming police vehicles and injuring one officer.

He then fled to a residential property on Idlewoods Crescent in nearby Rainbow Flat, where the confrontation with police intensified.

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner David Waddell said officers repeatedly attempted to subdue the man without lethal force.

“He ran towards a police officer and was fatally shot,” Waddell said.

“We have had to use lethal force by firing of a firearm, but that was only after multiple attempts to stop this man using a Taser, and there was a direct threat to the police officer’s life.”

Police said officers deployed Tasers several times, but the man continued advancing while armed with a knife, forcing police to respond with lethal force.

Officers immediately provided first aid, but the man died at the scene.

Domestic violence link under investigation

Police have confirmed that investigators are examining whether the attack was linked to domestic violence, describing the incident as having a “definite domestic aspect”.

“We’re definitely not ruling out domestic violence, and we’ll be looking at the domestic violence history,” Assistant Commissioner Waddell said.

Authorities are also investigating whether mental health issues, drug use or other factors may have contributed to the man’s actions.

A critical incident investigation has been launched, with homicide detectives examining the circumstances surrounding the police shooting. The investigation will be independently overseen by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission, as is standard procedure in fatal police encounters.

Renewed focus on frontline policing risks

The incident highlights the escalating dangers faced by frontline police responding to violent domestic situations, which remain one of the most unpredictable and high-risk areas of policing.

Police emphasised that lethal force is used only as a last resort when officers or members of the public face an imminent threat of serious harm or death.

Assistant Commissioner Waddell said officers acted to protect themselves and others after exhausting other options.

The injured police officer is expected to recover.

Support services and broader context

The stabbing and fatal police shooting come amid continued national concern over domestic violence in Australia, which remains one of the leading drivers of violent incidents attended by police.

Authorities urged anyone affected by domestic violence to seek support.

Support services include:

National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service (1800RESPECT) – 1800 737 732
Lifeline – 13 11 14
Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636

NSW Police say investigations into the full circumstances of the incident remain ongoing.