Paraplegic shot by police named

Police said the wheelchair-bound gunman was

A 42-year-old paraplegic man was shot dead by police after he fired a "large number" of shots that left a neighbour and policeman injured.

Police have named the man as Shayne Richard Sime of Christchurch.

Detective Superintendent Brett Kane told media Sime was a licensed firearm holder living alone. He had suffered from a head injury in the past and was "not unknown" to the police.

His family had been advised of his death and police understood he may have a child living in Australia.

Mr Kane said shotgun and a high-calibre firearm were used by Sime, who fired a "large number" of shots in the area.

His 39-year-old neighbour was "peppered with pellets from the shoulder to the groin".

The injured police officer suffered a head injury and was fortunate to be wearing a percussion helmet, Mr Kane said.

Police said both had been discharged from hospital but Mr Kane said the officer would likely undergo more surgery later today.

Mr Kane said a shot was first fired around 5pm yesterday but this was not reported to police.

At 8.30pm the Armed Offenders Squad was called out as a result of shots being fired in Wadhurst Place, Burnside.

Simes was shot around 10.30pm. The shots fired by Sime caused damage to surrounding houses. Local residents had been evacuated and moved out of harm's way.

"One property in particular has received extensive damage (to) the front of it," Mr Kane said.

It appeared Sime, who was wheelchair-bound, had initially been outside the house but later withdrew inside.

Mr Kane said members of the Armed Offenders Squad returned fire after the policeman suffered a pellet wound to the head.

It is still unclear how many gunshot wounds Sime suffered.

The area of the shooting remains cordoned off as police forensic experts carry out a scene examination. Forensic experts from Auckland have arrived to assist Christchurch police.

Mr Kane confirmed police had been in communication with Sime prior to his death but said it was still unclear what Sime's motivation was.

The involvement of alcohol in the incident is still under investigation.

Neighbours have reported hearing gunshots at the property in the past and Mr Kane said there had been an incident at the property some months ago.

Police extended their sympathies to the family of Sime and the 39-year-old neighbour.

Inspector Dave Lawry said it was always concerning to police when a person was shot.

A homicide investigation is under way and police's action will be scrutinised by the Independent Police Conduct Authority would be investigating.

Police earlier said Sime was thought to have shot "in excess of 100 rounds of both shotgun and 308 into houses in the cul-de-sac where he lives" before being fatally shot.

Inspector Rick Jury said Sime was possibly suicidal.

"He contacted family members today saying [Sunday] that he was suicidal but I understand he did make threats to police via the negotiating team who were in contact with him," Mr Jury said.

Police said officers tried to reason with the gunman without success.

"Unfortunately, the situation we dealt with unravelled. These situations are always very difficult and in this case we just have to extend our sincere condolences to the family," Superintendent Cliff said.

Frightened residents tell of shooting

Residents of Wadhurst Place reported hearing gunshots from 8pm.

Terrified neighbours were told to stay inside and below window-level during the early part of the siege, before being evacuated to Burnside High School.

Russell Keely said his wife Diane was home alone next door to the gunman when she started hearing shots about 7.45pm.

She heard about 40 shots in total and was "very frightened". He tried to get home to be with her but was turned back by police.

Diane Keely and other residents in the street were eventually evacuated by police.

Mr Keely said he knew the paraplegic man describing him as "quiet".

A nearby Guildford St resident said she was watching television when she heard noises like a car back-firing.

"I heard all these noises. I thought it was a nail-gun. It was random (and) it came over such a long period of time."

She was escorted from her home by armed police and protected by a bullet-proof shield.

Shortly after 9.50pm another resident said he heard half a dozen "different sounding" shots coming from the cul-de-sac and the sound of a dog yelping.

- With NZPA