Editor’s Note: This article contains references to domestic violence.

Tragedy struck as two men wielding knives were fatally shot by police in separate incidents in Sydney and Brisbane, marking a grim day for law enforcement and the communities involved.

These incidents unfolded within a tight 40-minute window, following yet another violent encounter earlier that day involving officers in Newcastle. There, police fired at an individual who was already on their radar.

In Sydney’s Potts Point, police were called to an apartment building around 10:50 a.m. after reports of a man allegedly assaulting two women. Officers attempted to subdue the suspect using a Taser, but it proved ineffective.

The situation escalated when the man, whose identity was not immediately disclosed, confronted the officers. An officer then discharged a single shot, which struck the man, resulting in his death at the scene. Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna of NSW Police confirmed these details during a subsequent briefing.

The man, who was not immediately identified, died at the scene, NSW Police assistant commissioner Peter McKenna said.

The women, aged 48 and 56, suffered facial injuries and were taken to hospital.

McKenna would not speculate on why the stun gun was ineffective.

“Tasers have been an effective part of our arsenal,” he told reporters on Tuesday.

“They are a less-lethal option, but like anything, they’re not always successful.

“[Police] don’t come to work to be confronted by this type of thing or take a life — that’s the last thing we want to do.”

He underscored that officers had been responding to the women in distress when the situation escalated quickly.

A crime scene has been set up, with officers using sheets to cover the dead man, who is believed to be aged in his late 30s to early 40s.

The street was cordoned off with a helicopter flying above the scene and up to 20 riot cars, police vehicles and ambulances descending on the block.

Forty minutes later, police responding to a welfare check request shot dead a man in his Tingalpa home in Brisbane’s east.

Officers had attempted to negotiate with the 21-year-old man but he made threats with a knife towards officers and was shot, police said.

He died at the scene with one officer suffering a minor injury

“These incidents are often dynamic … and split-second decisions need to be made,” acting chief superintendent Heath McQueen told reporters.

“I am confident that the use of force is appropriate.”

The matter is also being investigated with oversight from Queensland’s Crime and Corruption Commission.

In a third incident, a man was shot as police from a high-risk domestic violence offender squad tried to arrest him in inner-city Newcastle.

The officers forced entry into a unit at 8.30am and found the man — wanted on five warrants — armed with an edged weapon, police said.

Two stun guns were deployed but both were ineffective.

The man, 36, allegedly continued threatening officers before a police officer shot him in the shoulder, police said.

He survived and was taken to hospital in a stable condition.

Both NSW incidents are being investigated by out-of-area police before being reviewed by the internal police investigative unit. Each investigation is being overseen by the state police watchdog.

If you or someone you know is impacted by family and domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.

The Men’s Referral Service, operated by No to Violence, can be contacted on 1300 766 491.

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