A woman from Sydney’s east has undergone surgery after she was attacked inside her home by a celebrity dentist who was later shot dead by police.

The family of photographer and mother-of-three Chloe Paul told 9News she was working from her Potts Point home when Dr Steven Lin broke into her unit demanding money.

Her family said Lin pinned Paul to the ground, where he beat her and attempted to choke her, however, her background in boxing helped her to break free and call police.

Chloe Paul’s family shared photos of the mother in hospital after the attack. (Supplied)

She underwent surgery today for a broken nose following the attack.

Lin, who appeared to be affected by drugs, also assaulted one of Chloe’s neighbours in the unit’s communal laundry room.

He gained access to the building by driving into the secure complex as another car left.

Lin, 41, was the author of The Dental Diet and was once the owner of two successful dental practices on the NSW Central Coast.

The family of photographer and mother-of-three Chloe Paul told 9News she was working from her Potts Point home when Dr Steven Lin broke into her unit demanding money. (Supplied)

The dentist amassed a large following on social media, offering health advice to more than 250,000 Instagram followers.

Officers claim that when they confronted him, he lunged at police with a knife, resulting in a Taser being deployed.

Police claim the Taser was “ineffective”, and a single round was fired at the 41-year-old.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dr Steven Lin (Supplied)
Police do not believe either woman knew Lin. (Sydney Morning Herald)

It is believed Lin barricaded himself inside one of the apartments during the 10-minute ordeal and did not know either of the victims.

In recent years, the author faced court for a raft of offences against women, including stalking, assaults, choking and breaching apprehended violence orders.

A critical incident has since been declared to investigate the actions of the officers.