A man has been shot dead in Sydney's northern beaches after lunging at police with a knife during a domestic violence confrontation.
Police were called to a home in Newport just before 2am on Thursday, following reports of domestic violence.
Numerous officers tried to speak with the man before the deadly encounter, police say.
"Whilst attempting to speak to a 39-year-old male a violent confrontation occurred," Assistant Commissioner Leanne McCusker told reporters.
She said the man was carrying a knife and early investigations indicate he lunged at police before two officers discharged their firearms, with the man sustaining critical injuries.
Ms McCusker said the call to police was made by a member of the man's family during a confrontation with his parents.
"The family is assisting the police with the investigation and we are ensuring that appropriate (care) is available for those family members," she said.
"This is a traumatic situation for everyone involved."
Welfare was being provided to the police officers and family members who witnessed the incident, Ms McCusker said.
The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission said in a statement it had been notified of the critical incident and would investigate.
Under the LECC Act, a critical incident includes any situation involving a police officer that results in a person's death.
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