Man shot dead by police in Forster

Feb 15, 2026 • 5 min read
video thumbnail for 'Man shot dead by police after a chase in Forster; Tony Mokbel to walk free after no retrial | 7NEWS'

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FORSTER, NSW — A police pursuit ended in a fatal shooting after an alleged stabbing on the Mid-North Coast, while other major stories from around Australia unfolded in court and Parliament.

Man shot dead by police in Forster when officers intercepted a vehicle following reports that a man had stabbed a woman and threatened motorists with a knife early this morning. The incident prompted an immediate response from local police, and social media footage shows damage to vehicles involved in the chase.

Coastal map highlighting Forster and Rainbow Flat with NSW Police Operation breaking news banner
Location map: Forster and Rainbow Flat on the NSW Mid‑North Coast, where the incident occurred.

Police say the suspect threatened drivers with a knife before being shot by officers. Early statements describe the matter as a developing investigation; authorities continue to piece together the timeline and have not yet released the identity of the deceased while inquiries are ongoing.

What happened in Forster — the immediate facts

When and where: The incident occurred on the New South Wales Mid‑North Coast in the early hours, following reports of a stabbing at a local address.

What police say: Officers chased a vehicle after the alleged stabbing and, during that pursuit, the man threatened motorists with a knife. Police shot the man and later confirmed he died at the scene.

Ongoing enquiries: Investigators are examining social media footage and are working to locate and interview witnesses. Expect further updates from NSW Police as forensic work and witness statements are completed.

Yunter community reeling as detectives focus on family in missing-child probe

YUNTER, NSW — Police investigating the disappearance of four‑year‑old Gus Lamont have now treated the case as a major crime and say they have identified a suspect believed to be a family member or someone close to the child.

On-location reporter in an arid outback holding a microphone; chyron reads 'Gus Lamont investigation'.
On-location report in Yunta as investigators focus their inquiries in the Gus Lamont case.

It has been four months since Gus vanished from in front of his homestead in Yunter. Extensive searches — including multiple visits by police, army assistance, and draining dams and shafts — turned up no sign of the boy. Authorities have now discounted him wandering off or a stranger abduction.

They have identified a suspect, and they say his parents are not involved, although a family member who lived at the property is being focused on.

Grandparents have engaged high‑profile lawyers and declined to comment publicly. Police have seized multiple vehicles and electronic devices from the property for thorough forensic testing as they follow fresh leads and search for new areas to comb.

Tony Mokbel walks free after DPP declines retrial

MELBOURNE — Notorious underworld figure Tony Mokbel was released from court this morning after the Director of Public Prosecutions confirmed there will be no retrial on the remaining attempted drug trafficking charges.

On-location news reporter holding a microphone, standing in front of a stone courthouse facade with a 'LIVE Melbourne' graphic.
Reporter live outside the Melbourne courthouse following the DPP decision.

The short hearing — under two minutes — resolved years of legal uncertainty. Some convictions were previously quashed or reduced when it emerged Mokbel’s former lawyer colluded with police. The DPP cited prospects of conviction, likely delays, and considerations of Mokbel’s age and health when deciding not to pursue a retrial.

Mokbel told reporters he felt relieved and hinted at travel plans. He did not rule out seeking compensation, which would return the matter to court if pursued.

Politics and other headlines: leadership, the RBA and court threats

Shadow Defence Minister Angus Taylor signalled ongoing leadership ambitions in the wake of coalition tensions, admitting he has been speaking with colleagues about the future of the Liberal Party as internal deadlines loom.

television news lower-third headline liberal leadership speculation canberra
On-screen headline: Liberal leadership speculation, used in our Canberra coverage.

In Canberra, Reserve Bank Governor Michelle Bullock faced tough questions linking government spending to inflationary pressures — a point that contradicts recent statements from the Treasurer and is likely to shape the next round of fiscal debates.

And in Brisbane, a man has faced court accused of posting menacing threats against federal politicians on social media. Authorities say the posts included a threat to behead the Prime Minister; an alleged cache of medieval weapons was reportedly found during a search.

Man in a suit wearing service medals standing next to a bench outside a building with a news chyron reading 'VIOLENT THREATS'.
A man charged with threatening politicians speaks outside court as reporters gather.

Why these stories matter

Each matter touches core public concerns: community safety after the Forster shooting, the search for answers and justice in a missing‑child case, faith in the legal system when high‑profile convictions are overturned, and political stability amid leadership tensions and inflation worries.

Readers should expect more detail as police and courts release findings. Local communities, particularly Yunter and Forster, will be closely watching police activity in the days ahead.

Key takeaways

  • The Forster pursuit resulted in a fatal police shooting after an alleged stabbing; investigations are continuing.
  • Investigators now treat the disappearance of four‑year‑old Gus Lamont as a major crime and are focusing on a family member as a suspect.
  • Tony Mokbel will not face a retrial on remaining tainted charges after the DPP’s decision.
  • Political questions about leadership and inflation continue to dominate Canberra and may influence policy in the short term.

FAQs

Has the man shot in Forster been identified and charged?

Police have not publicly released the identity of the man and no formal charges can be laid posthumously. The matter remains an active investigation while coronial and criminal inquiries proceed.

What is the current status of the Gus Lamont investigation?

Police have declared the case a major crime and say a suspect has been identified. They have seized vehicles and electronic devices from the property for forensic testing and continue to follow leads and search new areas.

Why was Tony Mokbel released from court?

The Director of Public Prosecutions decided not to pursue a retrial on the remaining charges, citing low prospects of conviction, likely delays, and considerations of Mokbel’s age and health. Some previous convictions were earlier quashed or reduced after misconduct by his former lawyer was revealed.

Where can I get updates on these stories?

Follow official statements from NSW Police, Victoria Police and the courts for legal developments; local news outlets and national broadcasters will provide ongoing coverage as investigations and legal processes continue.

The information in this article has been adapted from mainstream news sources and video reports published on official channels. Watch the full video here Man shot dead by police after a chase in Forster; Tony Mokbel to walk free after no retrial | 7NEWS

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