A man being pursued after a vicious attack on a woman on the NSW mid-north coast was shot dead by police, leading to the closure of the Pacific Highway for eight hours.
The 36-year-old man was suspected of repeatedly stabbing a woman aged in her 20s in Port Macquarie on Thursday night.
The woman was reportedly doused in petrol and found in a pool of blood in the neighbours' garage.
Police believe the man and woman knew each other.
The man had fled the scene and was later found driving on the Pacific Highway.
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Following a stand-off, the man was shot dead by officers.
"A critical incident team from State Crime Command's Homicide Squad will now investigate all circumstances surrounding the incident including the discharge of a police firearm," NSW Police said in a statement.
"That investigation will be subject to independent review."
The woman victim was rushed to hospital in a serious condition and has since been stabilised.
Police closed the Pacific Highway near Coffs Harbour for eight hours, leading to traffic delays.
One lane is now open and traffic queues on Friday morning were stretching almost 6km, the Transport Management Centre said.
