Police called to a NSW home during a resident’s mental health episode have shot the man dead.

The 49-year-old man’s death ended an hours-long siege on Wells St in Springfield, on the Central Coast, about 9.30pm on Wednesday.

A mental health clinician initially accompanied police to the man’s home, after police were notified about the mental health episode that the resident was experiencing about 3.30pm.

He armed himself with a screwdriver, and other sharp objects as he was being approached by police.

Officers then unsuccessfully Tasered and pepper sprayed the man, NSW Police Assistant Commissioner David Waddell said at a press conference on Thursday.

“He got himself back inside those premises and barricaded himself,” Waddell said.

That is when the tactical team and negotiators were called.

The situation escalated further at 9.30pm, when the resident ignited an aerosol can and tried to burn an officer.

Police pushed forward into the home, and used more non-lethal force unsuccessfully.

The resident has then “got hold of one of the officers, and attempted to stab him a number of times,” Waddell said.

The weapon hit the officer’s protective clothing, and he only suffered “very minimal injuries, a slight laceration,” Waddell said.

“As a result, a number of officers have discharged their firearms and they have fatally injured that person.”

Paramedics were at the home already, but could not save the man, who died of his gunshot wounds.

Waddell said the resident was known to police, but had a “very limited history” with authorities.

A critical incident team from State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad will lead the investigation into his death.

It will be reviewed by the Professional Standards Command and overseen by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC).

Waddell said the investigations are expected to take “months and months”, as the actions of the officers involved are scrutinized against legislation and police policy.