THE condition of a man who allegedly confronted police with a knife at Argenton on Friday night before fleeing back inside a burning building has improved and he has been discharged from hospital, health authorities say.
Initially listed as critical, the man, aged in his 40s, was listed as stable over the weekend before being discharged, according to a Hunter New England Health spokesman.
Police say they have launched a critical investigation following the fire and confrontation in Park Avenue at Argenton about 6.30pm on Friday.
Police were called to the area after reports of a fire and when they arrived they attempted to speak to a man inside the home.
The man allegedly confronted police with a knife and retreated into the house, which was well alight.
Police say they "assisted" the man from the home a short time later and commenced CPR before NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived and began treatment.
He was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition, while firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze.
Police established a crime scene which was examined by specialist forensic officers and because of the potential involvement of police in the incident, a critical incident team was formed and Strike Force Janet was established to investigate "all circumstances surrounding the incident".
Citing the critical incident investigation, Lake Macquarie police declined to comment on Sunday.
"That investigation will be subject to an independent review," police said in a statement. "No further details are available at this time."
