A Melbourne terror suspect was on top of a police officer and stabbing him when he was shot dead by a second officer, a court has heard.

Numan Haider, 18, was killed with a single shot to the head after pulling a knife from his jacket and attacking the officers outside Endeavour Hills police station.

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The police officers had arranged to meet with Haider over his recently cancelled Australian passport when he launched his attack, the Victorian Coroners Court heard on Friday.

The scene of Numan Haider’s alleged attack on police. Photo: AAP

Counsel assisting the coroner, Jessica Wilby, said Haider attacked without warning as the officers approached him in a car park of a nearby childcare centre.

He stabbed a Victoria Police officer in the arm and an Australian Federal Police officer in the chest and face, Ms Wilby said.

He was on top of the AFP officer continuing his attack when the Victoria Police officer shouted for him to drop his weapon before opening fire, the court heard.

Ms Wilby said Haider was still clasping the knife in his hand after being shot dead.

The directions hearing marked the beginning of the coronial investigation 10 days after Haider attacked the officers on the night of September 23.

Coroner John Olle described the case as extremely sensitive saying it had attracted significant comment and attention.

“It’s important to remember there are three Victorian families directly involved in this incident,” he said.

The officer investigating the shooting, Acting Sergeant Neil Smith, also told the brief hearing toxicology reports on the two officers and Haider were pending. CCTV footage and around 75 witness statements would be collected as part of the investigation.

Some members of Haider’s family were in court on Friday.

The matter will return to court at a date to be fixed.

– AAP