Police officers were forced to take dramatic and drastic action when a large, naked man, 35, brandishing a knife and “bleeding profusely” charged at them when they attended the scene of a “medical emergency” on Macdonald Avenue in Padbury overnight.

Nine News Perth reporter Ezra Holt said WA Police District Superintendent Tony Flack was unsure why the victim attacked police.

“Having just viewed the body-worn video … I can only say that a large, naked male running at you with speed with a knife, you have to act quickly and very professionally… they certainly prevented further injury tonight,” he told Holt at the scene.

Tap PLAY to hear Tony Flack’s full account of the fatal incident

Lifeline’s 24/7 telephone crisis support service is available on 13 11 14.