Knife-wielding man is shot dead after a tense stand-off with police (2025)

A man wielding a knife has been shot and killed by police in Melbourne's western suburbs.

Police were called to Albert Street in Footscray at 9pm on Thursday night after reports of a man with a weapon.

Upon arrival, police found the man holding a knife and told him to drop it. The man allegedly charged towards officers, who shot him.

The man, who hasnot been formally identified, was treated by paramedics but died at the scene.

The shooting occurred near the popular Footscray Market.

Whether the man bought the knife from a supermarket will form part of the investigation.

Maribyrnong City Council Mayor Pradeep Tiwari was close by at the time of the shooting and told the Herald Sun he heard gunshots.

'There was an individual with a knife on them,' he said.

'It seemed that the man was approaching the police, and whatever the police have seen they have decided to fire at him.'

Commander Tim Tully confirmed that a sergeant and constable both fired shots.

'This is a tragic incident for all involved,' he said.

Commander Tully was questioned over whether it was standard procedure to use firearms before a taser or spray.

'I wouldn't say it's standard procedure,' he said.

'So police undertake specific training and are provided with a range of tactical options and equipment to keep the community safe.

'In this circumstance, members deemed that the firearm was appropriate and that will certainly form part of the investigation by the homicide squad.

'Members are forced to make split decisions and the members have my full support.'

A separate group of men 'challenged police' after the man was fatally shot.

They are accused of abusing officers and throwing bottles at them in the aftermath.

Commander Tully described their behaviour as 'deplorable'.

The group are not believed to be connected to the man who was shot.

Footscray has been the centre of a specialised drug operation in recent weeks butpolice said it is not a suburb regarding crime.

'Homicide Squad detectives will now investigate the matter with oversight from Professional Standards Command, as is standard procedure for a fatal police shooting,' a Victoria Police statement read.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Melbourne

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