Police have launched a critical incident investigation after a man died following a pursuit in the Port Stephens-Hunter Police District.
Officers were called to a Thornton home just after 9pm on Sunday over concerns for a man's welfare.
They say a 36-year-old man left the home in a car armed with a gun.
Police spotted the car on Newline Road at Seaham a short time later and a pursuit was initiated when the vehicle failed to stop.
The car stopped near Stockton Beach at Williamtown and the man ran onto the sand - Police say he was found dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Police from Tuggerah Lakes are investigating the incident.
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