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A man has been shot dead by police after allegedly attacking two constables in central Newcastle, leaving them with serious stab wounds.
One of the officers was stabbed in the upper back while the second suffered lacerations to her hands, NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna, said on Friday.
The constables were responding to reports of stealing at a home on Bishopsgate Street in Wickham about 8am on Friday.
On arrival, they were allegedly threatened then stabbed by the knife-wielding man who was then shot dead.
"During this confrontation the man was shot by police," Mr McKenna said.
"Despite their best efforts that man died en route to hospital."
The man appears to have been in his early 30s or 40s, according to police.
Both constables were taken to John Hunter Hospital in serious but stable conditions.
Mr McKenna said the incident was obviously very distressing for the officers who are both "fairly junior".
"Police don't come to work looking to find themselves in these sorts of situations," he said.
"These two officers are very lucky to be sitting up, alive and breathing after what was a very confronting and dangerous situation.
"Policing is a dangerous job at times, there is no doubt about that."
A critical incident team will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the discharge of a police firearm.
