Three Victoria police officers shot and killed a suspect in a stolen SUV following a chase through a residential neighbourhood of the capital on Saturday night.

Police said the chase began just before 8 p.m. Saturday, after two officers saw a man get into a stolen SUV.

Two police cars had attempted to block the suspect from leaving in the stolen vehicle, but the driver rammed them and drove away. 

Three other officers used their cars to block a side road, but the suspect drove onto the boulevard, heading toward the officers who were standing on the sidewalk. 

One officer dove out of the way, as the other three fired shots at the vehicle. The stolen SUV then turned around and headed back toward the officers, who all fired again, said a police spokesman.

"It appears on a preliminary basis, the officers fired their weapons to protect themselves in what was obviously an exceedingly dangerous situation, both for themselves and for the public," said Insp. Clark Russell.

The officers fired a total of 12 shots. The SUV driver was hit twice. He died two hours later in hospital. No one else was injured.  

One stray bullet hit a bus shelter, shattering the glass. Another lodged in a passing car. 

Police said the dead man, John Seguin, 37, had a long criminal record. The names of the three officers, who have been placed on paid administrative leave, are being withheld.

An investigation is underway, but it will likely be months before it's completed, said Russell.