Gang-related Christchurch shooting: Three men arrested, including 19yo, all to appear in court

Three men have been arrested in relation to a Christchurch gang-related fight that left four people injured, one of them critically.

The men, aged 19, 31 and 40, have been charged with aggravated wounding and aggravated robbery over Wednesday night’s incident on Hoani St, Northcote, said Canterbury District Commander Superintendent Tony Hill.

They will appear in Christchurch and Dunedin courts today.

Police are not seeking anyone else in relation to the incident.

Yesterday, armed police were stationed at cordons on Hoani St as detectives investigated the confrontation.

A firearm was discharged during the violence that spilled onto the street.

Police will be back at the address again today as the scene examination continues, said Hill.

“Please be reassured this was a contained incident, and there is no ongoing risk.”

Hill said the police operation is a coordinated effort focused on one outcome: “Holding those responsible to account and protecting our community.

“We will not tolerate this type of offending. If you choose to commit serious violence, we will act swiftly.”

The 40-year-old is due to appear in Dunedin, while the 19- and 31-year-old will appear in Christchurch District Court today.

Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves confirmed yesterday that the incident was gang-related and that a firearm was discharged.

“Police staff continue to examine the scene to gather information about the incident and those involved.

“We have also established that this was a gang-related incident and was targeted towards parties at this address.

“We understand that incidents like this can be unsettling for the community, and would like to reassure people that we do not believe there is a risk to the wider public.

“Residents can expect to see additional patrols in the area as we carry out our inquiries.”

A mobile police base at the scene. Photo / Jazlyn Whales

Emergency services were called to Hoani St about 9.30pm on Wednesday.

One person was in a critical condition and another suffered serious injuries, Canterbury District Commander Superintendent Tony Hill said yesterday morning.

Two others suffered either minor or moderate injuries.

One neighbour said her partner returned home about 9.30pm and heard yelling and commotion before police arrived.

Another resident, who did not want to be named, said he woke up in the middle of the night to so many police cars that “it looked like daylight” outside.

Another said he went out on the street to find police “running around with guns”.

One neighbour spoke to police at the cordon and said he was told police planned to remain there for days.

Four people have been injured, one critically, in a fight on Hoani St, Northcote, in Christchurch overnight. Photo / Jazlyn Whales

He told the Herald it was a quiet street and he had had no problems in his time living here.

Cordons remained in place yesterday morning while police examined the scene.

Armed police were stationed within the cordons, and a scene examination trailer arrived just before 9am.

Investigations are focused on two properties opposite each other. Forensics teams were seen coming in and out of both.

Police vehicles seen on Hoani St this morning. Photo / Jazlyn Whales

Hill said police were working at speed to identify and find those involved.

“Police believe the parties involved are known to each other, and the risk to the wider public is minimal.

“The public should expect to see significant police numbers in the area today, as we work to resolve this incident as swiftly as possible.”

Earlier, police appealed for anyone in the area who might have witnessed anything to call 105 and quote file 260218/3391.