A man who was allegedly wielding a knife near a hospital in the NSW Central Tablelands has been shot by police.
The man was allegedly armed with the blade at Lithgow Hospital as police were trying to arrest him on Tuesday, according to initial reports from police.
He was then fired at by police, NSW Police told AAP.
A critical incident has been declared by police and the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) has been informed.
Critical incidents are declared when police use their weapons, resulting in the death or serious injury of another person.
Police will investigate the incident and it will be overseen by the Professional Standards Command and the LECC.
An operation remains underway at the hospital and the man is being treated by paramedics.
Police are not seeking any witnesses in relation to the incident, however members of the public are urged to avoid the area.
