Eventually, the children and staff were freed, some through a smashed front door and others through another exit.

“They were sneaking around the back and bringing out staff that worked there,” witness Jazz Steenberg said.

“They were in tears and just wanted to see their partners.”

Police said the 28-year-old man began forcing his way into the centre about 6pm, leaving a trail of blood on the ground.

Five courageous staff and six children younger than five quickly scrambled to safety, barricading themselves in a room.

“He’s run out the back and locked himself into some few rooms so police have once they’ve got everyone out, they’ve just barged through all those doors and got to him,” Steenberg said.

“They had their Tasers out and some had their hands on their guns.”

Acting Inspector Scott Wiggins said it was a lockdown but not a “hostage situation”.

“The male has caused himself injuries and sadly passed away from his injuries,” he said.

The distressing scene shocked the small community.

“I feel quite chilled that it’s happened in our locality,” one resident said.

“It’s such a peaceful suburb this one, dreadful for the children and their parents to have happened on the premises of the childcare.”

Wiggins said the childcare workers acted “remarkably professionally and protected the children”, while Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek described them as “heroes”.

Police Union President Shane Prior applauded the efforts of officers on the ground, including one young constable who helped guide the children to safety.

“He saved these kids from a potential lifetime of trauma,” Prior said.

Habitat said none of the staff or families knew the intruder.

“The reasons why the male person was at the childcare centre are currently under investigation,” Wiggins said.

The death is under investigation by the Ethical Standards Command on behalf of the state coroner and is under independent oversight by the Crime and Corruption Commission.

Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyond blue on 1300 22 4636.