NSW police shoot man dead after mental health check turns into six-hour siege

Police say a welfare check at a Springfield home became a six-hour standoff during which officers fired and a 49-year-old man died; the State Crime Command's homicide squad will lead the investigation and a critical incident review will examine police actions.

Police attended a Springfield home on the New South Wales Central Coast for a welfare check accompanied by a mental health clinician. Authorities say the situation developed into a siege lasting about six hours and officers used non-lethal measures before entering the property. Police reported an assault on officers during entry and that a number of officers fired; the man was treated at the scene and later died. The State Crime Command's homicide squad will lead the investigation and a critical incident team will review whether police actions complied with policy and legislation. Key points: - Police attended the home just after 3:30pm for a welfare/mental health check, with a clinician present. - Authorities say the situation escalated into a siege of about six hours during which officers used stun guns and pepper spray before entering. - Police report an officer was struck by a sharp object during entry; multiple officers fired and the man subsequently died at the scene. - The homicide squad will lead the probe and a critical incident review will assess police actions; the investigation is expected to take months to complete. Summary: Officials say the death is under investigation by the State Crime Command's homicide squad and a critical incident review will assess whether police followed policy and legislation. The investigation is expected to take months to complete.