Forster: Woman stabbed, man shot dead by police triggers major operation on NSW Mid North Coast

A man has reportedly threatened motorists with a knife and stabbed a woman before being shot dead by police, sparking a major police operation on the NSW Mid-North Coast.

Emergency services rushed to a property on Heath Avenue in Tuncurry, near Forster, around 6.45am on Friday, following reports of a home invasion involving a man armed with a chainsaw and a knife.

By the time police arrived, the man had fled in a white four-wheel-drive. Inside the home, officers found a 28-year-old woman suffering from serious stab wounds.

She was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being airlifted to the John Hunter Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

A short time later, police spotted the four-wheel-drive on Stewart Parade in Tuncurry, and a pursuit was swiftly initiated.

Police say the car ploughed through a sports ground before crashing onto the Forster-Tuncurry Bridge a short time later. Witnesses reported the man then carjacked another vehicle, which subsequently rammed a police car, injuring one officer.

A NSW Police spokesperson said a second pursuit followed, continuing to Idlewood Drive in Rainbow Flat, where the man drove onto a property and entered a home, still armed with a knife, before attempting to steal another vehicle.

“The armed man exited the home moments later and confronted police,” a police spokesperson said.

A taser was deployed, but the man fled to a neighbouring property. Police say the taser was used multiple times before the man ran toward an officer, who then discharged his firearm, shooting the man.

First aid was given before the arrival of paramedics, who treated the man; however, he died at the scene.

While yet to be formally identified, the man is believed to be aged 41.

There is no ongoing threat to the community, and a critical investigation is now underway.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000