Police are seeking witnesses after one person was left fighting for their life after being shot in a targeted attack in a central Auckland suburb today.
Armed officers were blocking several roads in Onehunga, including one metres from the busy Dress Smart outlet mall, after the shooting near Arthur St about 11am.
The cordons have since been lifted on the streets around the scene and are not expected to affect the Ed Sheeran concert at Go Media Stadium tonight.
Police said they are seeking information from the public about the shooting.
“At this stage, we believe this was a targeted incident and there is no ongoing risk to the public,” Detective Senior Sergeant Matt Bunce said.
“If anyone has any information or CCTV footage that may capture the area in and around Arthur St, we would like to hear from you,” he said.
Investigators are now examining the scene, and police said the public can expect an additional police presence in the area.
“We understand this sort of violence is very unsettling for the community, and our investigation will focus on holding anyone involved to account,” Bunce said.
Police said they received reports soon after 11am that a person had suffered injuries consistent with a gunshot wound at a property on Arthur St.
“One person has been transported to hospital in a critical condition. An increased police presence will remain in the area while inquiries are underway.”
Hato Hone St John was notified of the incident at 11.09am. One ambulance, one rapid response unit and one operations manager responded.
Paramedics treated one person at the scene before taking them to Auckland City Hospital.
A resident was out walking her two dogs when she noticed armed police officers blocking the road. Another resident told her it had been a “gangland shooting”.
“A guy jumped out of a black vehicle and opened fire.
“It’s super disturbing, particularly police standing there with guns.”
She said she was pleased she had delayed her walk this morning. “I do the same walk every morning and go past that house.”
Another resident was surprised to see the incident unfolding.
“It’s usually a pretty quiet street.”
Police could be seen speaking to residents on the street behind the cordon.
A woman who lives close to the incident told the Herald that most roads remained blocked in the area, and the Armed Offenders Squad was at the scene.
She said a police officer escorted her father to his door as he returned from a doctor’s appointment.
Several police vehicles with lights flashing could be seen parked on the side of the road.
Outside one property, a series of chairs were set up on the footpath with people watching the police response.
Earlier, more than half a dozen police cars could be seen speeding down Manukau Rd towards Onehunga, while an ambulance rushed to hospital in the opposite direction.
A post of the Onehunga Community Patrol Facebook group said, “Yes, there has been a firearms incident on Arthur St, near Alfred. Please avoid the area if possible. Police have the area locked down.
“There is a lot of speculation occurring online. As info becomes confirmed, we will update. Stay safe, everyone.”
A Grotto St resident said he heard several cars speeding down the road about the time of the incident and had just learned of the shooting via social media.
“It’s absolutely crazy what’s going on right now. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
The nearby Arthur Superette is closed, with its roller door drawn down.
Anyone with any information is being asked to contact the police via 105, either over the phone or online, using the reference number P065151258.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers online or through 0800 555 111.
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