A man has been shot dead by police after targetting officers with a bow and arrow. The police attended a property in Australia after welfare concerns were raised.

New South Wales Police were called to the house in Gunnedah, around 450km northwest of Sydney, at around 1.40pm on Friday, January 16. When they arrived at the home on Quia Road officers from Oxley police District spoke to a man outside.

The man then went inside and returned armed with a bow and arrow.

Police attempted to shield themselves in their vehicle but a police firearm was discharged when the man took aim at the officers. The man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics for a gunshot wound but he died at the scene.

An investigation has been launched into the incident. This will be led by a critical incident team from State Crime Command's Homicide Squad.

The investigation will be reviewed by the Professional Standards Command and oversighted by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC).

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information is managed on a confidential basis.