Knife-wielding man shot dead by police

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A man has been shot dead by police in Sydney's southwest on Saturday night. -AAP Image

A knife-wielding man has been shot dead in Sydney's southwest after he allegedly attempted to stab a police officer.

Emergency services were called to Bird Walton Avenue in Middleton Grange, about 40km from the CBD, about 11pm on Saturday following reports a man was armed with a knife.

Police said the 34-year-old allegedly confronted and threatened officers on arrival, with 33-year-old male officer struck with the knife but protected by his operational vest.

A Taser was used but proved ineffective before police shot the man.

The police officer was not injured.

A critical incident team from the state crime command's homicide squad will investigate the circumstances of the shooting and the probe is subject to an independent review.