Mayfield: Police open fire on man running from unit block with meat cleaver in Newcastle

Matt Shrivell
The Nightly
He allegedly ran towards officers with a meat cleaver in his hand yesterday afternoon.

Police have opened fire on a man armed with meat cleaver as he tried to attack them outside a unit block on Saturday afternoon.

A critical incident investigation is underway after the man was shot by police in the NSW city of Newcastle.

At about 4.10pm, police were called to Hanbury Street, Mayfield, following a concern for welfare.

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Police attached to Newcastle City Police District attended when a man ran from a unit block towards police allegedly armed with a meat cleaver.

A taser was deployed which was unsuccessful, and the man was shot by police.

Officers immediately rendered assistance to the man prior to the arrival of NSW Ambulance paramedics.

The man – believed to be aged in his 40s – was taken John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition.

There were no other reports of injuries.

The critical incident investigation team is now investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and the investigation is subject to an independent review.

Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.

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