Man kills son at cricket practice, shot dead

An Australian man with mental health issues killed his 11-year-old son following cricket practice before being shot dead by police in front of people, including children.

Greg, father of Luke Batty, was shot by police after he bashed his son with a bat Wednesday evening at cricket practice at the Tyabb oval sports facility on the Mornington Peninsula, 100 km from Melbourne.

After Luke collapsed, his father is believed to have attacked him with a knife, The Melbourne Age reported Thursday.

Greg, 54, died in a hospital Thursday, leaving behind a traumatised wife and mother who was in the area when the attack took place.

Police said Luke's father, known for his violent temper and vindictive nature, had a history of family violence.

Rosie Batty, the child's mother, said it was just a normal cricket practice session and most of the kids and parents were there.

She said Luke came to her and asked if he could play with his father for a few more minutes, following which she allowed him to play.

She said Greg's life had been tragic and he had failed to accept help that was offered to him, spending recent months homeless.

Despite Greg having mental health issues, she believed the only threat he had posed was to her, not the son they both loved, said Rosie.

Luke loved and trusted his father despite his problems, she said.

Tyabb is a small community of just 3,300 people.