A man armed with a knife has been shot dead by police outside Ipswich train station, west of Brisbane, following a stand-off with officers.

The incident occurred about 4.15pm on Sunday.

Entrances to the station have been blocked, and trains on the Ipswich and Rosewood line in both directions between Thomas Street and Bundamba stations have been suspended.

“Alternative transport buses are being arranged to transport customers,” the TransLink website said.

Customers can expect delays of up to 60 minutes.

Police are speaking after a man was shot dead after threatening officers and residents with a knife at Ipswich train station. https://t.co/dIKIXO6M9c #7News pic.twitter.com/1EnnwvYKpq

— 7NEWS Brisbane (@7NewsBrisbane) September 16, 2018

Ipswich Acting Superintendent Mal Adams said three officers attended the call at the Ipswich train station.

“Upon attending the station they were confronted by a male person. During that confrontation, which was very brief, the male person was shot by police and unfortunately that male person is deceased,” Ms Adams said.

“The incident took place on the train station platform there were a number of witnesses.”

She said the officers were shaken up after the incident.

“We are offering all the support we can to our Police Officers, it’s obviously a traumatic time for them,” she said.

Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers said the officers involved would cooperate fully with an investigation by the Ethical Standards Command.

“In incidents that are like this where shots are fired, it takes a tremendous toll on police and sometimes they never get over it,” Mr Leavers said.

“I’ve spoken to the police involved and as you would expect they are quite shaken.

“They were simply doing their job.

“If we have to we will use force, but we look at all options and using a firearm is the last resort for police.

“We are very thankful that they are safe and well.”

Police are appealing for anyone who was on the platform at the time and has not yet spoken to police to contact them.