Police fatally shoot woman allegedly armed with axe in Adelaide's east

Police have shot and killed a woman during an incident at Firle in Adelaide's eastern suburbs.

The incident happened about 2am this morning when police were called to Gwynne Street. 

Police said they were responding to reports "that a woman was armed with an axe" and that when they arrived they were confronted by the woman, who allegedly threatened them.

Police said a taser was used but it was ineffective, and that they then "discharged a firearm, striking the woman".

Officers attempted first aid before ambulance paramedics arrived, police said, but the woman died at the scene. 

"Major Crime Investigation Branch detectives, Forensic Response Section officers and investigators from Internal Investigation Section are at the scene and will examine the circumstances surrounding the incident," police said.

Gwynne Street is closed and police said further information would be provided later this morning.