A manhunt is still underway to find an offender, seven hours after a fatal shooting in West Auckland.
A male police officer has died and another is seriously injured after they were shot during a "routine traffic stop" on Friday morning.
In a press conference on Friday, Police Commissioner Andrew Coster said they have located a firearm believed to be used in the shooting.
"This was a fast-moving, unpredictable and absolutely tragic event. We have a large investigation team working to establish the details of what occurred," Coster said.
"Our priority is to hold this offender to account and to ensure our people and their families receive the support they need".
"We have located a firearm of interest and we are following strong lines of inquiry including talking to two people of interest.
"We are speaking with a number of people including witnesses and residents on Reynell Drive.
A general arming order remains in place across Auckland until police are "satisfied the right people are in custody".
Coster says he is sending his thoughts to the families of the shooting victims.
"This is absolutely devastating, it is heartbreaking for the organisation and the entire police family is in mourning and shock.
"Our staff come to work every day to risk our lives to protect our communities and keep us safe."
Timeline of events:
- At 10:28am police located a vehicle of interest and attempted to initiate "a routine traffic stop" in Massey, West Auckland.
- Lights and sirens were turned on and they unsuccessfully tried to stop the vehicle before losing sight of it.
- A short time later they located the vehicle crashed on Reynella Dr and approached the vehicle.
- A man got out armed with a long-barrelled firearm and fired multiple shots at the two officers.
- One officer, a man, died and the other was seriously injured in the leg.
- The offender and a second person fled the scene in another car and struck a member of the public, who received serious injuries and is being treated in Auckland Hospital.
- The second vehicle, a silver Mazda sedan, was later located abandoned nearby and the two occupants fled the scene.
- A manhunt was launched and schools in the area were put into lockdown, which has since been lifted.
- The Armed Offenders Squad (AOS), an Eagle helicopter and a Westpac helicopter were all called in to assist in the manhunt.
- Newshub footage captured the AOS surrounding a house on Rena Pl in West Harbour, during the afternoon. Armed police were believed to have later stormed the house.
- The footage also shows one person being handcuffed near the property - however, moments later, police let him go.
- At 5:30pm Commissioner Coster updated the media, saying they have located a firearm and are continuing the investigation.
- The manhunt has now been underway for seven hours, police remain armed.
