A 20-year-old man has been shot dead by police after allegedly grabbing an officer's gun during a confrontation in Sydney's west.
Three police officers approached the man on Acacia Avenue, St Marys shortly before 10.30am on Wednesday while patrolling the area.
The man allegedly jumped a fence into a nearby backyard and threatened the officers, resulting in a scuffle. He then allegedly grabbed an officer's gun, prompting a number of shots to be fired from that weapon.
A second officer then shot the 20-year-old in the abdomen. He died at the scene.
"Police were put into a very confronting situation and they acted, I understand, in accordance with police procedure. That's something that will be fully investigated," NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Jones told reporters on Wednesday.
"It's a very sad set of circumstances at any time, particularly towards Christmas, so our hearts go out to the family."
A male senior constable was bitten by a dog in the backyard during the incident and has been taken to hospital. The other two officers have been taken back to the police station.
The homicide squad will conduct a critical incident investigation into the incident and the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission will also probe the officers' actions. Information will also be provided to the coroner.
Police say there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
