A homicide probe is underway after one person was shot dead and three others hospitalised with gunshot wounds after an attack in the central Auckland suburb of Grey Lynn last night.
Police were called to Tuarangi Rd about 6.50pm following a report of a firearm being discharged.
Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin of Auckland City CIB says responding officers found a man with critical injuries.
“First aid was administered, however despite efforts from first responders he sadly died at the scene,” Baldwin said.
“Three others were also seriously injured and remain at hospital where they are being treated for gunshot injuries.”
A man at the scene told the Herald his grandson had been killed in the incident.
“I loved him. Loved him to bits,” he said.
The man said his daughter rang him to tell him what happened.
“She’s going to be devastated,” he said.
Baldwin this morning said police are now working to understand exactly what has occurred, and to locate all parties involved.
“Our focus is now on establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident and supporting the victim’s family at this difficult time,” he said.
“We know this will have been a shock to the community, however we would like to reassure them this appears to be an isolated incident.”
Police believe it involved parties “known to each other” and at this stage the risk to the wider public is minimal.
This morning, a wide cordon stretches across the entrance to Tuarangi Rd while the investigations continue in the area with a large police presence.
A police van with forensic officers in overalls has arrived, while two armed police are standing guard at the scene. Multiple police vehicles are parked along the street, which intersects Great North Rd.
A blue police specialist search group tent is still erect outside a property on the street, where it was reported a firearm was discharged at 6.50pm.
Two people holding hands are sitting on plastic chairs in the rain at the edge of the cordon.
Officers can be seen walking up the driveways of neighbouring houses.
Police have also been seen probing the grass at the front of two properties outside of the cordon with metal and wooden sticks.
At least 15 police vehicles and multiple ambulances were seen shortly after the incident, with four armed officers standing guard at the cordon.
A woman living on Tuarangi Rd was feeling fearful after hearing shouting and gunfire last night.
“My husband locked the door. It was hard to sleep, it was just on my mind,” she said.
Last night, she said she saw groups of young men standing outside one of the properties that now appears to be of police interest.
“Lately a lot of things have happened here.”
Another woman who lived nearby simply said, “I’m scared for my grandchildren.”
At the Great North Rd end of Tuarangi Rd last night, a group of about eight or nine people tearfully hugged one another just outside the cordon.
The police Eagle helicopter could be heard flying overhead.
Armed police and a dog unit surrounded a block of flats and gained access to one of the units.
Police have erected a “specialist search group” tent.
St John sent two rapid response vehicles, three ambulances and an operations manager.
One resident of the road was last night told by police she couldn’t go home because of a “serious incident”.
Another reported seeing a body on the ground.
Soon afterwards, a man arrived at the intersection of Tuarangi and Great North roads wanting to gain access to the crime scene.
He told police his son was dead and he wanted to see him.
Police say they are not yet in a position to release details of the deceased.
They are now asking for anyone with information to get in contact with them at the earliest opportunity.
“Anyone with information about the incident, or who witnessed any of the surrounding circumstances, is urged to contact Police. If you can help, please call 105 and quote file number 240905/8180, Operation Comma. You can also share information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.”
