Armed man is shot dead by police on a Melbourne freeway after a dramatic stand-off
- Man shot dead in dramatic standoff with police on Melbourne's Monash Freeway
- Police responding to reports motorist blocking traffic at EastLink interchange
- Officers were negotiating with man when he was shot by police and died
- Aerial images from the scene show a body in the far left lane of the freeway
A man wilding a knife has been shot dead by police in a dramatic standoff on one of Melbourne's busiest freeways.
Police were called to the on-ramp of the Monash Freeway at the EastLink interchange in Dandenong North around 9.30am on Thursday following initial reports of a man blocking traffic.
The Narre Warren man, 55, was allegedly armed with a knife when he was shot in the chest by police following a tense stand-off.
'At this point of time, there is nothing to indicate to me that our police members did everything they could to resolve this matter but unfortunately it has ended sadly with someone losing their life,' Southern Metropolitan Region Assistant Commissioner Bob Hill told reporters.
'It is a sad occasion certainly for the family, the loved ones, the friends of this deceased male. It's a sad occasion for the community of Victoria, the local community here, and certainly a tragic event for our police now to deal with.'
A man has been shot dead in a dramatic standoff with police on Melbourne's Monash Freeway
Multiple police vehicles and paramedics remain at the scene, where aerial images show a body in the far left lane of the freeway.
The man involved in the police stand-off was 'aged about 50 or 60', according to one witness.
'They had guns drawn on the assailant,' one man told ABC Radio.
'I don't know if it was a pursuit and they have pulled him up over there or why he's in that position.'
One officer suffered minor injuries.
Homicide Squad detectives will investigate the incident which will be oversighted by Professional Standards Command
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Police remain at the scene near the EastLink interchange of the Monash Freeway where a man was shot dead by officers
'Our understanding is that members have acted in self-defence, operating in an extremely dangerous environment,' Police Association secretary Wayne Gatt told the Herald Sun.
'We are currently providing immediate wellbeing and other support to all members involved.'
Police have assured there is no ongoing threat to the community.
All citybound lanes are closed on the freeway at the EastLink interchange, which has sparked significant delays and brought traffic to a standstill.
'The scene is under the control of Victoria Police,' a Department of Transport statement read.
'The Monash Freeway will open as soon as it is safe to do so.'
Citybound motorists are urged to use the Princes Highway, where there are delays in both directions.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Citybound lanes are closed at the EastLink interchange on the Monash Freeway (pictured)
