A man has been shot dead at Sydney’s Central station following a confrontation with police responding to reports of an armed robbery.
The man, who witnesses say was armed with a pair of scissors, was shot outside a florist’s shop on Eddy Avenue just before 6.45pm.
The owner of the shop was targeted by the man, according to witnesses, prompting bystanders to call police.
When police arrived and told him to drop his weapon, he did not respond and was shot three or four times at close range, witnesses said.
Standoff between man and police at Central Station. Police shoot pic.twitter.com/RAXDOtCjhj
— Andrea Booth (@AndreasBooth) July 26, 2017
Andrea Booth, a journalist at SBS, was at Central station and witnessed the shooting.
“I saw a man in the store holding something and I saw three police pointing their guns towards him,” she said.
“At that point I heard three gun shots I ducked for cover.”
Witness says man had what looked like separated scissors in his hands in flower stall & said "shoot me". I heard police shoot three times. pic.twitter.com/ELR0QHRdJk
— Andrea Booth (@AndreasBooth) July 26, 2017
Salim, who owns the kebab shop near the florist at the station, rushed out after he heard people screaming.
He said he saw the florist, who has worked at the station for decades, covered with blood.
“I heard a noise – three shots – but I only realised what it was after I heard someone screaming,” he said.
Salim said he saw the man suspected of attacking the florist lying on the ground surrounded by police as he rushed to help his friend.
“I feel bad for (the florist),” he said. “He’s a great person.”
Police say a full investigation into the shooting will take place.
“A critical incident investigation will now examine all circumstances surrounding the incident,” police spokeswoman said.
Police expanded the crime scene to take in more of the concourse just before 9pm and forensic police are examining the scene.
