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Senior cop defends police in Tas shooting

Ethan JamesAAP
Police fired on a man who allegedly drove his car at them, killing him, at a property near Hobart.
Camera IconPolice fired on a man who allegedly drove his car at them, killing him, at a property near Hobart.

A senior Tasmanian policeman has defended the actions of his colleagues who shot and killed a man as he drove a car at officers.

Two officers fired more than 10 times at the 38-year-old in the driveway of a rural property at Brighton, north of Hobart, on Tuesday night.

Three policemen went to the home around 8pm after they were told a knife-wielding man was acting aggressively and making threats.

The man rammed the officers' car and then started driving at them after they got out.

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Deputy Commissioner Scott Tilyard said one of the officers was up against a fence on the property when two officers opened fire on the man.

He was shot in the shoulder and chest and died at the scene.

Police have launched a professional standards investigation into the incident, which is also being probed by the corner.

"I certainly support the officers in terms of the information we're aware of at this stage," Mr Tilyard said.

"We're at a very early stage of the investigation and there's still a lot of information that still needs to be gathered, including the interview of all of the witnesses."

Mr Tilyard said the two constables and a sergeant are experienced in dealing with frontline duties.

The man had recent contact with police and was staying, but not living, at the house.

Police believe several people at the property on the night of the shooting, including a child, are related to the man.

"Our thoughts are with the family of the deceased man as well as the police and emergency services members who attended and dealt with the scene," Mr Tilyard said.

Body-worn camera footage from the officers is being reviewed as part of the investigation.

Police believe the man had lit a small fire in the house earlier in the evening.

The three officers, who have been given several days off, and the man's family have been offered professional counselling.

"This is something that we try and avoid at all costs," Mr Tilyard said.

"To be put into a situation where you have to take someone's life or even inflict serious injuries is something we try not to do but occasionally, unfortunately, it is necessary."

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