What we know so far:
- Two women killed
- Third person shot recovering in hospital
- House burned down after day-long standoff
- Gunman believed to have been inside and police say it's "very unlikely" he survived
The two women shot and killed in Northland on Wednesday were visiting the house for property management, police say.
The house at the centre of the fatal double-shooting has burned to the ground with the gunman believed to be still inside, following a day-long standoff.
"Police eventually used tear gas late this afternoon and the offender fired several shots at the police, and the police staff present returned some shots," says Northland district commander Russell Le Prou.
Soon after that, the house on Mt Tiger Rd caught fire. Police describe the building as being burned "pretty close" to the ground.
Police say the gunman's identity was known to them, and it is "very unlikely" that he survived.
The two women who were killed are believed to be related, while a third man who was injured in the shooting remains in hospital.
Police and the fire service say they won't enter the house until it's safe to do so.
The property will be cordoned off for a number of days while the scene is examined.
A neighbour on Mt Tiger Rd told Newshub the house believed to be at the centre of the incident is rented to someone who works locally.
He says that person normally keeps to himself and there have been no issues at the property previously.
Another couple is also believed to live at the property.
Newshub.
