Police officer would have died instantly

Senior Constable Len Snee (front) was involved in the hunt for the killer of Constable Glenn McKibbin in Flaxmere in 1996. Photo / Herald file

Police have announced arrangements for tomorrow's funeral for Senior Constable Len Snee, shot dead by Jan Molenaar.

The full police service will take place at 1pm at the Municipal Theatre in Napier, and will be relayed via television screens into three foyer areas in the outer theatre.

The service, which will be followed by a private cremation, will also be broadcast for the public outside on speakers.

Police said yesterday that Mr Snee would have died instantly from his injuries.

He was shot three times and two of those were not survivable, said Detective Superintendent Rod Drew, who is heading the investigation involving a team of more than 60.

Officers removed Molenaar's body from the scene yesterday afternoon.

It is to be taken to Wellington where a post-mortem examination will be carried out. The result is expected tomorrow.

Mr Drew said police investigations into the incident were continuing.

Four separate examinations were in progress into Mr Snee's murder; the attempted murders of Senior Constables Bruce Miller and Grant Diver; the attempted murder of Lenny Holmwood; and the attempted murders of neighbours, passersby and other emergency services workers.

A scene examination of Molenaar's Chaucer Rd property was continuing and Mr Drew said anyone who had had property damaged from shots fired by Molenaar should contact them.

The other men shot - Mr Miller, Mr Diver and Mr Holmwood - remained in hospital last night.

Mr Miller and Mr Holmwood were in a critical condition and Mr Diver was recovering in a general ward.

Meanwhile, the Police Families Charitable Trust has established a trust fund for donations to help Mr Snee's family and others wounded in the siege.

Its BNZ account number is 02 0500 0258403 00.