An investigation has been launched after a man was killed by police following an hours-long siege in Far North Queensland.
Police were called to reports of a disturbance on Love Street in Mareeba, west of Cairns, around 11:30am on Saturday.
Speaking to media on Sunday afternoon, Acting Superintendent Sonia Smith confirmed police were responding to reports of a domestic violence incident.
"It's alleged that a 27-year-old man was armed with a knife, refusing to allow a female to leave that property," she said.
"Negotiators were called and attended, and spoke to that man for several hours. Specialist officers were also called to the address."
Acting Superintendent Smith would not comment on the relationship between the man and the woman who was at the property, but confirmed the woman was not injured.
The man allegedly advanced on specialist officers with a knife around 3:30pm, before he was shot by police.
The Queensland Police Service said CPR and first aid was provided immediately, but the man died of his injuries at the scene.
Acting Superintendent Smith said a crime scene was established and forensic investigations are ongoing.
"Circumstances surrounding this incident are being investigated by independent officers from the Ethical Standards Command on behalf of the state coroner," she said.
"The matter is also being overviewed by officers from the Crime and Corruption Commission."
Community members gathered near the address on Saturday evening, expressing their distress and anger.
In footage posted to social media, police were seen speaking to a crowd at the scene on Saturday night.
In the social media video, Inspector Kevin Goan told the crowd police would meet with the Mareeba community on Sunday morning to answer questions.
Dozens of community members gathered at the meeting on Sunday, many visibly emotional. It's understood a police liaison officer was in attendance.
Acting Superintendent Smith said police were trying to facilitate "open communication" with the community about the incident and that police were meeting "formally and informally" with people across the area.
"Police are working closely with supporting the family involved," Acting Superintendent Smith said.
"We're also supporting the Mareeba community and we're utilising our police resources such as our police liaison officers based in both Mareeba and Cairns to provide that support."
