A knife-wielding man has been shot by police outside a hospital west of Sydney.
Officers were trying to arrest a man outside of Lithgow Hospital around 11am when he allegedly pulled a knife out.
One of the officers allegedly shot the man in the abdomen.
He is being treated by paramedics for his injuries.
Members of the public are being urged to avoid the area.
“For police to use firearms there needs to be a threat that someone is going to be killed or extremely injured,” a police spokesman told 7 News.
Nepean-Blue Mountains Local Health District tweeted confirmed that a police operation occurred near Lithgow Hospital campus earlier on Tuesday.
“All patients and staff are safe,” the tweet wrote.
“Lithgow Hospital and its emergency department remain open.
“Police remain on the scene to assist with access to the hospital.”
More to come.