UPDATED 2.24PM: Police say the man shot and killed by police in Whanganui last night was known to them and had a history of offences including violence.

The 32-year-old Upper Hutt man, Savey Kevin Sous, was known to police and had been arrested several times.

Central Districts Commander Superintendent Sue Schwalger said the man was shot three times, in the torso and arm.

The dead man was of Cambodian descent and had lived in New Zealand for about 20 years.

The man died in hospital last night, after he was shot just after 7pm.

In a statement, police said the man emerged from a house, where they'd been called to a family violence incident, with a shotgun concealed under his jacket.

A member of the Armed Offenders Squad shot the man after he'd aimed a gun at police.

He was taken to hosptial by ambulance in a critical condition, but has since died.

A cordon's been in place overnight around the house and a full investigation into the shooting has commenced.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority will be advised.

READ MORE: Man shot by police in Whanganui