Gang members urged to tell police who killed toddler

Police at the scene. Photo / Wanganui Chronicle

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Police today urged gang members to co-operate with them to find the person responsible for killing a two-year-old girl in a drive-by shooting in Wanganui.

The toddler, known only as Jhia, was shot shortly before 10pm on Saturday. The family has asked that her full name is not released and police said they would respect that.

The girl's body was taken to Wellington this morning for a post mortem examination and it is hoped will be returned to its family this evening.

Police said about a dozen people were at the home when several vehicles drove past and fired shots into the front of the house.

The house was believed to have been rented by a Black Power member and the incident appeared to be linked to rivalries between Black Power and the Mongrel Mob.

Jhia was asleep on a sofa in a front room, and was struck by one of the bullets. She died at the scene.

Wanganui Area Commander Inspector Duncan McLeod said today: "We will only solve this tragic crime with the assistance of all of the community and I appeal to anybody who has any information which will help us with our inquiry to come forward and contact the police."

Mr McLeod said the area around immediately around the house had been searched, and a number of "items of interest" had been found.

Police hoped a forensic scene examination would be finished today.

Other police were interviewing neighbours, witnesses to the shooting, and witnesses to other incidents which might be connected to the shooting.

Mr McLeod said 30 police were working on the investigation, with officers having been drafted from Masterton, Kapiti, Palmerston North and New Plymouth.

Wanganui mayor Michael Laws said today that gangs "should be treated as the terrorists they are. They serve no useful purpose and they exist simply to commit crime. We have tolerated their evil excesses for far too long".

He said Wanganui was no different to other cities or towns but said he was prepared to take action.

Mr Laws said "the same old politicians are making the same old excuses about why gangs can't be properly policed".

- NZHERALD STAFF, NZPA