Support is being provided to the people affected by yesterday afternoon's fatal Police shooting near the Waikato town of Matamata

An armed man, who Police say threatened a parent and child in a Manawaru home, was shot after a stolen vehicle pursuit from central Hamilton.

The parent and child, the man's family and other members of the public are being supported by Victim Support and local police.

Matamata-Piako mayor Adrienne Wilcock says it's a shock but she's sure the community will work together to get through it.

She calls on local residents to have empathy for the innocent parties caught up in the event.