Police are distributing to media the following statement from Jane Allan on behalf of the McLean and Barber families in relation of the fatal shooting in Invercargill on Tuesday night.
Please note that no interviews will be given in relation to the statement.
Family acknowledges support and asks for privacy
We, as the family of Ben and Verity McLean, acknowledge the tragic circumstances following the events of Tuesday night in Invercargill.
We are all very shocked and are trying to cope with what has happened as best we can, as a family.
The family would like to acknowledge the Invercargill community for their outpouring of support and compassion. We have been overwhelmed by kindness and understanding, from family, friends and people within the community, some of whom we have never met.
We would particularly like to thank and acknowledge the New Zealand Police and the Invercargill Police, for the very difficult job they have to do.
Thank you also to St John Ambulance, hospital staff and Victim Support for their care and compassion.
We understand that there is public interest in what has happened but respectfully ask the news media and others to respect our privacy and to give us space, as we try to cope at this very difficult time.
ENDS
Issued by Jane Allan on behalf of the McLean and Barber families.