Third fatal shooting by NSW police in six weeks

The confrontation unfolded at a home in Kelso, near Bathurst. Photo / AAP file

By Julia Carlisle

Police have justified their actions after a man "carrying an object" was shot dead by officers in the central west of New South Wales.

The confrontation unfolded at a home in Kelso, near Bathurst, last night after concerns were raised for the 47-year-old's welfare.

A critical incident investigation will examine all circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.

It's the third fatal shooting by NSW police in six weeks.

Police were at the back door of the premises, talking or trying to talk to the man at the time of the shooting, police have confirmed.

Officers tried to revive that man but he died at the scene.

The man, who has a history of mental illness, was wielding a samurai sword, according to News Corp Australia.

"Officers felt threatened to a significant degree that they used a number of tactical options, ultimately resorting to the use of their firearms," Assistant Commissioner and Western Region Commander Geoff McKechnie told reporters in Bathurst.

The 47-year-old, who was known to police, was alone at the home, and an "object" was involved in the confrontation, McKechnie said. He said the officers used a number of tactical options before resorting to the use of their firearms.

"I believe their actions ... in many ways are commendable as well as what I would say justified," McKechnie said. He also said it was a difficult time for the officers involved and the family of the man.

"There's family out there this morning that are grieving the loss of a son, a brother perhaps, a relative so our thoughts are certainly with those people as well," he said.

On August 6, officers shot a knife-wielding man at Grafton in northern NSW. On July 26, officers shot dead 30-year-old Danukul Mokmool at Central Station in Sydney after he lunged at them with scissors. Critical incident investigations are being held into each shooting.

- AAP