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A firearm was discharged at a Christchurch home in a gang-related fight that left four people injured, one of them critically.
Armed police have been stationed at cordons on Hoani St, Northcote, today as detectives continue to investigate last night’s confrontation.
Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves confirmed the incident wasgang-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.”
Emergency services were called to Hoani St about 9.30pm yesterday.
One person was in a critical condition and another suffered serious injuries, Canterbury District Commander Superintendent Tony Hill said this morning.
Two others suffered either minor or moderate injuries.
A mobile police base at the scene. Photo / Jazlyn Whales
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 this 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.