A police officer is alleged to have fatally shot his female partner and another man in an attack in Invercargill.
Police say they were called to a property in Otepuni Ave, in the suburb of Newfield, at 8.19pm yesterday.
There they found a woman dead and a man with gunshot wounds. He was taken to hospital and remained in a serious condition today.
Another man was also being treated in hospital and was helping police with the investigation.
A firearm had been recovered and a scene examination was continuing. Detectives were not looking for anyone else.
Witnesses say a man pulled up outside the house in question and began shooting. A source told the New Zealand Herald today that the shooter was an off-duty policeman.
In a statement this afternoon, police said they were aware of media reports regarding the suspect, but were “constrained from commenting” at present.
“There is a legal process we need to work through before we are in a position to comment any further. Police hope to be in a position to provide further information later today once these legal issues have been considered.
"We are very aware of the impact this tragedy will be having on the community. We are particularly focussed on ensuring support is in place for victims and their families."
Resident Terry Brown said he saw a "chap" bike past, and had an inkling something was off.
"It didn't look right. It looked a bit suspicious," he said.
Mr Brown said he saw the man take off the top he was wearing and put on another darker piece of clothing before cycling down Otepuni Ave. Within half an hour the cyclist rode back past his house still wearing the dark clothing.
Police want to hear from anyone who saw last night's incident or who has information that could be helpful.
They should call the Invercargill Central Police Station on (03) 211-0400 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
- NZ Herald and ODT
