Man shot dead by RCMP officer in Holdfast, Sask.

Regina police have been called in to investigate after a man was shot dead by an RCMP officer in a community northwest of the city.

RCMP say the male member of the Craik detachment went to a home in Holdfast on Wednesday as part of a criminal investigation.

Mounties say a fight broke out between the officer and a 42-year-old man living in the home.

The officer fired his gun during the altercation and hit the man, who died at the scene.

The name of the man who died hasn’t been released.

RCMP aren't saying why the officer and the man fought, noting the Regina Police Service will conduct an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.

RCMP Sgt. Craig Cleary said it was a difficult situation for everyone and that he understood that many people had questions.

"We do usually release this type of information. However, due in part to the fact that the Regina Police Service are going to be conducting the investigation into the discharge of the firearm, we're being extremely cautious in terms of what information we are releasing," said Cleary.

"We've just determined that it's just not a good idea at this point in time to release that information."

With files from The Canadian Press