A man was shot dead by police after he aimed a bow and arrow at officers during a welfare check at a home in north-central NSW.
Police said a member of the public saw the man in the street earlier and called police, who visited the property on Quia Road in Gunnedah at 1.40pm today.
Officers spoke with the man who they said went back inside and returned with the weapon.
READ MORE: Man wounded in early morning shooting in Sydney
READ MORE: Cache of buried weapons uncovered on rural SA property
"Police returned to their vehicle for cover, however, a police firearm was discharged when the man aimed at officers," NSW Police said in a statement.
The man collapsed and was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics for a gunshot wound but he died at the scene.
The state crime command's Homicide Squad will lead an investigation into the shooting.
Assistant commissioner Andrew Holland said the investigation would examine whether mental health was a factor.
"These matters are split-second decisions by police on the scene," Holland said.
"This matter will take several days to investigate.
"There's no concern for safety of the public.
"Police are providing support for the man's family at the scene and for the local police involved."
The investigation will be reviewed by the Professional Standards Command with oversight from the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.
DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP: Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.