Prime Minister John Key says he is "shocked and disturbed" at the deaths of two people at the hands of a gunman in Ashburton.
Mr Key said at his post-Cabinet press conference this afternoon that he had been briefed by Canterbury District Commander Gary Knowles on the attack in a Work and Income office, which took place this morning.
He said he did not have all the details about the incident, which also left a third person with serious injuries, "but like all New Zealanders I am shocked and deeply disturbed by what happened today".
Mr Key offered his "sincere condolences" to the family and friends of the dead and the injured.
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