Shot police back home

Senior Constable Bruce Lamb,who was shot in the face in Christchurch on Tuesday, is likely to be released from hospital later today. Photo / Supplied

The two police officers who were shot in Christchurch on Tuesday morning have been released from hospital and are back home with their families.

Senior Constable Bruce Lamb, 50, was shot in the face and Constable Mitchel Alatalo, 30, was shot in the upper thigh during a seemingly routine job in the city. Mr Lamb's police dog Gage was killed.

It was initially thought Mr Lamb, whose jaw was shattered by the bullet, would remain in hospital for several more days but he recovered well enough to go home this afternoon.

Canterbury District Commander Superintendent Dave Cliff said although both men were recovering well, they were still suffering "the painful effects of significant injuries".

"Bruce and Mitch are getting better by the day but they still have a painful recovery ahead of them," said Mr Cliff. "I know both of them are itching to get home and try and get some normality back into their lives. We will be continuing to support the men and their families throughout this process."

Mr Cliff said the men will be formally interviewed about the incident when they are well enough, which is likely still several days away.

Mr Cliff also revealed more details about what took place on Tuesday morning. Despite having a gunshot wound, Mr Alatolo donned body armour and took up a rifle following the shooting to help other officers, he said.

"Mitch did not immediately realise the severity of his wound. Once he scrambled out of the house, he was assisted by other staff. He donned ballistic body armour and a Bushmaster rifle which had been brought to the scene after the shooting. Mitch and others worked together to contain the scene and ensure there was no risk to anyone else," said Mr Cliff.

"Despite being shot in the face, Bruce too made it back to his van and radioed Comms. This meant help was quickly on the scene and that other staff knew that an armed response was required. Both men were reluctant to leave their roles but the severity of their injuries meant they needed to get to hospital as quickly as possible."

Christopher Graeme Smith, 34, a process worker of Christchurch, appeared in Christchurch District Court briefly yesterday to face charges of attempting to murder Mr Alatalo and Mr Lamb.

He is also charged with using a firearm against another police officer, Daniel Isherwood, having a "pig knife" in his possession with an intention to use it to cause bodily injury, intentionally killing police dog Gage and cultivating cannabis.

- NZ Herald staff