A man has died after being shot by police officers, bringing a tense six-hour siege on the New South Wales Central Coast to a fatal end.
Siege unfolds in Springfield
The incident began on the afternoon of Wednesday, January 7, 2026, when Brisbane Water police officers were called to a home on Wells Street in Springfield. They arrived just before 3:30pm to conduct a welfare check on the occupant.
Officers attempted to speak with the 49-year-old man at the address. However, the situation quickly escalated when the man allegedly armed himself with sharp objects, including a screwdriver.
Standoff turns deadly
Police established a security perimeter around the property and called in specialist resources to assist. According to an official NSW Police statement, police continued to communicate with the man for hours, but he refused to cooperate.
The confrontation intensified when the man attempted to set fire to a police officer by igniting an aerosol can. Later, tactical officers managed to gain entry to the property.
Once inside, police say the man, armed with a sharp object, stabbed at an officer multiple times. In response, police discharged their firearms. The man was struck and fatally wounded.
A police officer received a minor injury during the incident. NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the man immediately at the scene, but he could not be saved.
Critical incident probe launched
The NSW Police Force has declared a critical incident following the shooting. The investigation will be led by a critical incident team from the State Crime Command's Homicide Squad.
This investigation will undergo a rigorous review process. It will be examined by the Professional Standards Command and will also receive independent oversight from the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC).
Such probes are standard procedure for incidents involving police that result in death or serious injury, ensuring transparency and accountability.
