Clyde Rd remains cordoned off this morning. PHOTO: RNZ
Police were called to the Clyde Rd property in Bryndwr, Christchurch about 11pm on Wednesday after a person known to the couple, who was not at the address, called police to say a man at the property was allegedly armed with a knife and threatening to hurt himself and his partner.
Due to the information provided officers had made a "tactical decision" to arm themselves.
There were 10 police officers at the scene at the time.
Police at the scene of the fatal shooting on Clyde Rd this morning. Photo: RNZ / Adam Burns
"As police approach the address, a woman has run out of the house, closely followed by a man in possession of a hunting knife.
"Police believed the woman was in risk of imminent serious harm, and fired a single shot, which hit the man.
"An officer has approached the man to provide first aid. The woman has picked up the knife and began to threaten officers, despite an appeal for her to put down the weapon, she has advanced on police, brandishing the knife.
"A second shot was fired, hitting the woman, officers immediately provided medical assistance. However, unfortunately, she has died at the scene."
Police said residents could expect to see a continued police presence in the coming days. Photo: RNZ / Adam Burns
Hill said both shots were fired from the same police officer from a rifle.
He said support was in place for the staff who were in attendance at the time.
"Drawing a firearm is one of the last things that a police officer wants to do, and is likely mostly one of the most significant decisions they may have to make in their career."
A critical incident investigation was underway alongside an investigation by the Independent Police Conduct Authority.
"I want to offer our condolences and thoughts for the family of the two people who were shot."
Police at the scene on Thursday morning. Photo: RNZ / Adam Burns
Asked if he was confident the right tactical option was used, he said that would form a "large part" of the investigation.
"I think it's inappropriate me to say at this stage about whether they were the right decisions at the time that will be part of the investigation. What I will say is it was a highly dynamic situation. Having personally been in one of these myself, I can tell you that they unfold very quickly."
He understood staff at the scene had the "normal, full array of tactical options" that frontline staff have available to them.
A police vehicle stationed outside the Clyde Rd house in Bryndwr. Photo: RNZ / Adam BurnsPolice often called, says neighbour
A nearby resident told RNZ the couple were "always fighting" and said police were routinely called to the address.
Asked about the couple's previous interactions with police, Hill said the prior history of the couple would form a part of the investigation.
When questioned about whether the couple were under the influence of any alcohol or drugs, Hill said "those are facts we are yet to establish".
A nearby resident told RNZ the couple were "always fighting" and said police were routinely called to the address.
The neighbour, who asked not to be named, said they had lived at the house for about six years.
"They were very unhappy. She was a very unhappy person. They fought a lot. She was always calling the police."
Photo: 1News / Screenshot
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