A man armed with a chainsaw and knife has been shot dead by police after a woman was stabbedin a violent home invasion on the NSW Mid North Coast.

Emergency crews rushed to a property on Heath Ave at Tuncurry, near Forster, about 6.40am on Friday after reports of a home invasion by a man armed with a chainsaw and knife.

“En route to the location, police were advised that a woman had been stabbed by the man who left the location in a white 4WD,” police said in statement.

Man shot dead by cops, woman stabbed

A 28-year-old woman was treated for stab wounds inside the home.

She has been taken to John Hunter Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Police later spotted the white 4WD on Steward Parade in Tuncurry.

“The 4WD drove through a sportsground before the vehicle reportedly crashed on the Forster Bridge a short time later,” they said.

Police were told the man then carjacked another vehicle, which subsequently rammed a police car.

A police officer sustained minor injuries during the ramming.

Chainsaw-wielding man shot dead by cops

“A pursuit was initiated nearby, 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,” police said.

Moments later, the armed man left the home and confronted police.

He was tasered but still fled to a neighbouring property.

“A Taser was deployed multiple times before the armed man ran towards an officer who discharged his firearm, shooting the man,” police said.

The man was given CPR at the scene but died.

He is yet to be formally identified but is believed to be aged 41.

Police are expected to provide more information about the operation at 12.30pm on Friday