Armed incident in Clive after woman dies in Napier

Armed Offenders' Squad members make an arrest in Clive following a pursuit from The Esplande in Westshore after an alleged shooting incident at the address over night. Photo/ SNPA/Daniel Fraser

Clive residents reported hearing what sounded like an explosion and a vehicle moving so fast "it sounded like a rocket" during an armed incident in Clive late last night.

A man remains in Hawke's Bay Hospital where his condition has stabilised after he was shot and injured by police following the incident in Clive.

The man is alleged to be linked to the investigation into a death of a woman at a property in Westshore, Napier, about 9pm yesterday.

Residents of Clive spoken to by Hawke's Bay Today this morning reported being woken up after 11pm when gunshots were exchanged between a suspect and the Armed Offenders Squad.

One resident said he heard what sounded like an explosion, while another said she heard a vehicle speeding so fast down the road that it "sounded like a rocket".

Another woman reported seeing police lights flashing through her window after 11pm.
Woman said she saw police lights

Police said in a statement this morning that they were alerted after a report that the man was later seen carrying a firearm and driving south out of Napier.

Hawke's Bay officers including Armed Offenders Squad staff set up road blocks and tracked the man for some time during which he shot at police.

He was stopped in central Clive about 11.10pm and there was an exchange of fire after he threatened officers.

Immediate medical attention was given to the wounded man by police and paramedics called to the scene.

A section of State Highway 2 in central Clive will stay closed today and diversions put in place for road users. This is to allow for a detailed scene examination to take place.

People are asked to use the alternative Farndon Road and Hawke's Bay Expressway.
Investigators and forensic specialists will also be at a property in The Esplanade, Westshore, where the body of a woman was found shortly after 9pm.

Superintendent Sandra Venables, Eastern Police District Commander, described last night's operation as difficult, dangerous and fast moving.

"We're unable to release the name of the victim at this stage but our thoughts are with the families caught up in this tragic event."

Police are urging commuters and other members of the public to avoid central Clive this morning as a scene examination gets under way following an armed incident last night.

Eastern District Police Command Centre said people are asked to use alternative routes including Farndon Road and the Hawke's Bay Expressway.

The armed call out is over but Clive's main street and a section of SH2 remains closed while police undertake a detailed scene exmination.