Aussie cop fatally shot by colleague

File photo / NZ Herald

Australian police officer Constable Will Crews, who died after being shot in the head during a drugs raid in Sydney last week, was killed by a bullet fired by a fellow police officer, police have confirmed.

Assistant Commissioner Dave Hudson said a shot fired by a police officer was the last of five shots fired in a drug raid by detectives in Sydney's southwest on Wednesday of last week.

An autopsy has confirmed that the shot, which hit 26-year-old Constable Crews in the neck, was the shot that killed him, Mr Hudson told reporters today.

"A total of five shots were fired," he said.

"The first was fired by a 55-year-old man, who is currently before the court facing charges. This shot hit Constable Crews in the left arm.

"Constable Crews returned fire with three shots in the direction of (the 55-year-old man).

"A fifth shot was fired by a fellow police officer. This shot hit Constable Crews. An autopsy result confirmed that this shot was the fatal shot that killed Constable Crews."

Investigations were continuing and a report would ultimately be provided for the coroner, Mr Hudson said

Meanwhile, Constable Crews' family say they have forgiven the officer who shot him.

His family met the officer at a wake on Sunday and assured him they did not blame him for the death, News Limited reports.

"Bill was brave and resilient. He would want us to show the same courage as we deal with our personal tragedy and face a new day," his brother Ben told the newspaper.

Police are expected to announce the findings of their investigation into the shooting on Tuesday.

- AAP