Flaxmere school shooting: Man shot by police was carrying imitation pistol

Parents and caregivers wait outside the front entrance to Flaxmere Primary School for their children. Photo / Warren Buckland

A man shot by police in Flaxmere Primary School on Tuesday was armed with an imitation pistol.

The 31-year-old remains in hospital in a stable condition suffering injuries to his arm and torso after being shot once and will be formally charged later today with Arms Act offences.

Police said on Wednesday afternoon the man arrived at the school shortly after 2pm on Tuesday and had also been on the school grounds at least two times earlier in the day.

During his third visit to the school, the man allegedly threatened a staff member, while a second staff member tried to reason with the man, police said.

Police and mum comforting daughter after leaving Flaxmere Primary School after lock down when a potential gunman was seen in the school grounds. Photo / Warren Buckland

When police arrived at the school, the man allegedly fled from officers, heading further into school grounds.

Police officers were then deployed into the school to prevent the man making his way into any classrooms or areas where pupils and teachers were present.

When located by officers, the man then allegedly presented the imitation pistol and was shot once, police said.

Medical assistance was immediately provided by the officers present and the man was transported by Hawke's Bay Hospital. He was in a stable condition on Wednesday morning.

A scene examination was completed at the school last night with a number of enquiries under way, including interviews of witnesses who were at the school at the time of the incident.

Police say that there may also be members of the public who witnessed yesterday's events and have not yet spoken to the authorities and ask that they get in touch with via 105.

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