A man has been killed in a police shooting in north Queensland.
Officers were called to Mitchell Street in North Ward in Townsville just before 10am on Saturday to reports of a man armed with a machete and knife.
Police allege the man advanced towards officers while armed and was subsequently shot.
The incident happened on Mitchell Street in North Ward just before 10 o’clock this morning. (ABC News)
The ABC understands he sustained gunshot wounds to his chest and legs.
Police said he was provided immediate medical assistance but died at the scene.
No police officers were injured.
The shooting will be investigated by the Ethical Standards Command with oversight from the Crime and Corruption Commission. (ABC News: Lucas Hill)
A crime scene has been declared on Mitchell Street, between McKinley and Landsborough Streets.
Police have urged members of the community to avoid the area, but said there is no further threat to the public.
The man has not been identified.
Third police shooting this year
The shooting will be investigated by the Ethical Standards Command with oversight by the Crime and Corruption Commission.
Superintendent Chris Lawson said it was a difficult situation for police.
Superintendent Chris Lawson says support is being provided to the officers involved. (ABC News)
“We will continue to provide assistance to our police that have been here today and we will make sure that this event is investigated to the full extent of what the coroner requires,” he said.
“These events today will undergo a significant amount of investigation.”
He said the officers involved were receiving support from Queensland police and body-cam and CCTV footage would be examined.
A crime scene has been established in the Townsville suburb of North Ward. (ABC News)
This is the third police shooting in Townsville so far this year.
Superintendent Lawson said officers were “very well trained” for dealing with such scenarios.
“Some of those instances require the use of lethal force to make them come to an end,” he said.
“It is a continuing and ongoing effort of this district to ensure that the people that work for us here in Townsville are supported and making sure that they have the support needed to do their jobs.”