An armed man has been shot dead by police in the Whitsundays after allegedly lunging at officers with a knife.

Police say the man, aged in his 20s, allegedly threatened officers in Airlie Beach in the early hours of this morning, forcing them to draw their weapons.

“Preliminary investigations indicate around 12.20am police were in Shute Harbour Road when they were approached by the man,” Queensland Police said.

“The man allegedly threatened officers advancing on them and was subsequently shot”.

Officers immediately rendered first aid to the man, who was rushed to Proserpine Hospital, where he was declared deceased a short time later.

A crime scene has been established in Shute Harbour Road as investigations continue.

The incident is under investigation by the Ethical Standards Command on behalf of the State Coroner, and is subject to oversight by the Crime and Corruption Commission.

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