A 45-year-old man has been shot dead by police during a “physical confrontation” in Sydney’s west.

Blacktown police attended a property at Bulah Way, Seven Hills for a routine warrant check, when they were approached by a man armed with a knife and axe.

Four officers were inside the premises when the man, believed to be the sole occupant, was shot.

However, police were unable to confirm how many shots were fired or by whom due to a critical incident investigation underway.

Nine News reporter Ruth Wynn-Williams told Jim Wilson “distressed” family members are at the scene, and have “a lot to say” to investigators.

“This man … is really well known in this community.

“From what we are being told by neighbours here, officers felt so threatened that they unloaded a volley of shots on this man.”

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Image: Nine News