Five staff and six young children were on site at a Sunshine Coast childcare centre yesterday evening when a man broke into the building with serious self-inflicted injuries.

Emergency services were called to the Peregian Springs Habitat Early Learning Centre about 6pm after the 28-year-old man smashed his way through the front door.

Officers attempted to negotiate with him before taking him into custody.

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He became unresponsive soon after.

Police at the scene rendered first aid before other emergency services arrived, but he was declared dead a short time later.

No other person present at the time of the incident was physically harmed.

Meanwhile, the staff had locked themselves into a room with the children.

"The staff at the childcare centre acted remarkably professionally and protected the children who were there," Sunshine Coast Detective Acting Inspector Scott Wiggins said.

The death is under investigation by the Ethical Standards Command on behalf of the state coroner and is under independent oversight by the Crime and Corruption Commission.

Anyone with information should call 131 444, or make an online report.

Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyond blue on 1300 22 4636.

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