Content warning: This article contains references to and images of deceased Indigenous individuals.
A man who was shot dead by police in Western Sydney on Tuesday has been identified.
Stanley Russell was shot after police arrived at his home in Seven Hills just before 11.30am.
Officers arrived at the property with a warrant for Mr Russell’s arrest.
The 45-year-old father and grandfather allegedly confronted officers with a knife and an axe, and was fatally shot following a brief struggle.
It is understood that his family was nearby.
Russell and his partner of 29 years. Image: 7NEWS
“We’ve got five kids, six grandkids and I still can’t get up there,” Mr Russell’s partner said, as she was seen becoming emotional at the scene.
Soon after the shooting, officers closed streets in the surrounding area and told residents to stay away.
An investigation will be launched into the incident, with officers to determine how many shots were fired and who pulled the trigger.
Police at the scene of the Seven Hills property. Image: 7NEWS
Four police officers were attending the scene at the time of the shooting.
7NEWS reported that a witness said he heard five gunshots.
Mr Russell’s death comes two days after another Indigenous man died in custody, according to AAP.
A 26-year-old man was found unresponsive and pronounced dead at Shortland Correctional Centre on Sunday, with Corrective Services and police investigating the incident.
Greens MLC Daivd Shoebridge spoke to Mr Russell’s family on Tuesday and later said the fatalities were another reminder of the “national crisis” of Indigenous people dying in custody.
“This is the second Aboriginal death in custody in just three days and it sends another wave of pain and hurt across communities,” he told AAP.
“It never seems to end.
“Indifference, platitudes and empty gestures from politicians who could create change only allow these killings to continue.”
Image: 7NEWS
