Police shoot man dead in Newcastle after two officers stabbed in 'dangerous confrontation'
Two "fairly junior" police officers are "lucky to be alive" after allegedly being attacked by a man with a knife in Newcastle.
A critical investigation is underway after the knifeman was shot dead in Wickham this morning after the two constables were stabbed in a confrontation while chasing a lead in an overnight theft.
"A male police officer was stabbed in the upper back, near the armpit region, a female constable was also (stabbed)," Assistant Police Commissioner Peter McKenna said.
"She had lacerations to her hand."
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An investigation is underway after a man who allegedly stabbed an officer in the chest was shot dead by police in Wickham, Newcastle. Nine
McKenna said the officers were left with "no choice" but did not say who fired the fatal shot.
"Police don't come to work looking to find themselves in these sorts of situations; they go from protecting their own lives to trying to save another," McKenna said.
"These two officers are very, very lucky to be sitting up alive and breathing after what was a very confronting, very dangerous situation."
The man, believed to be in his 30s or 40s, died on the way to hospital.
McKenna said the two officers tried to save him. He was also treated by paramedics at the scene.
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Assistant Police Commissioner Peter McKenna said the officers were left with "no choice" but did not say who fired the fatal shot. Nine
He has not been identified.
The officers involved were taken to John Hunter in serious but stable conditions.
Homicide detectives will be involved in the investigation of the events leading up to the shooting.
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