He was a victim of paranoia and, according to a letter written to a Sydney newspaper by his wife, had developed a fear of police officers.

She said his parents had repeatedly warned police of Elijah’s fear and asked that he not be approached.

Mr Holcombe, who was originally from Narrabri, had driven to Armidale on Tuesday.

His family was aware he was missing and were looking for him at the time.

It is believed Mr Holcombe presented himself at the Armidale Police Station shortly after arriving in the city.

He spoke to an officer who then took him to the hospital.

It is believed this may be the same officer who was involved in the shooting later that day.

A Hunter New England Health spokesperson said Mr Holcombe had been “triaged immediately” on arrival at the hospital.

“He (Mr Holcombe) was assessed within the appropriate time by an emergency department mental health registered nurse,” the spokesman said.

“Despite strong advice by the staff for him to remain at the emergency department, he left Armidale Hospital before seeing the medical officer.

“He was a voluntary patient and hospital staff had no authority to detain him against his

wishes.”

Armidale police reportedly learnt Mr Holcombe was back on the street when officers went to the hospital to return his car keys.

He was spotted by a plain- clothes officer in the Beardy St Mall a short time later.

Scared and confused he ran away, fleeing through Caffiends into Cinders Lane.

It is believed he grabbed a knife from the cafe’s kitchen.

This was the knife with which he reportedly threatened the police officer in Cinders Lane.

When he was ordered to drop the weapon he failed to do so.

Witnesses have said that Mr Holcombe appeared to lunge at the officer before the single, fatal, shot was fired.

Efforts by police and passers-by – including two nurses – to revive him were unsuccessful.

Paramedics declared him dead about 2.12pm – less than 20 minutes after he was shot.

His family, in a prepared statement, have paid tribute to those who went to Mr Holcombe’s aid.

“We thank those who tried to help our son, brother and friend in his final moments,” they wrote.

“We know that some on the scene attempted to revive Elijah. We hope that he may have been aware and comforted by your compassion.”