Police are appealing for further information from the public to help their investigation into the circumstances of a shooting in West Auckland on Sunday night.
Superintendent Bill Searle, Waitemata District Commander, said the investigation team led by Detective Inspector Mark Gutry, Counties Manukau Police, has spent today interviewing witnesses and continuing a scene examination at the Nikau Street, New Lynn, property.
A 38-year-old man who was arrested for assault during the armed confrontation with police is in Middlemore Hospital. He has had surgery for arm, hand and abdominal injuries.
The shooting happened when police visited the man to speak to him about an alleged domestic related assault and arson. A verbal altercation followed in which an air rifle was presented at police and shots fired.
Superintendent Searle said investigators are speaking with the police officers who attended and witnesses who were in the area on Sunday night. "The sequence of events is being pieced together by Detective Inspector Gutry and his team. They are getting a better understanding of the sequence of events however still want to speak with people who were in the Nikau Street area on Sunday night.
"It's important that we reach as many people as possible who are able to shed light on what happened, and tell us what they saw or heard," he said. "Investigators are knocking on doors in the area and speaking with residents, but there may be others who were walking or driving in the vicinity who can help.
"I encourage these people to contact the investigation team at Henderson Police Station on 09 839 0600. The key times we are interested in are from 4pm to about 7.15pm on Sunday night."
Police and ESR forensic specialists including ballistic experts are continuing a search of the scene, particularly the area around a caravan which is parked alongside the block of ten flats. The scene remains cordoned off although residents have restricted access to their homes.
Police expect to remain at the scene until at least tomorrow.
Superintendent Searle said he was relieved that no one else was injured in the incident. Police welfare services are providing support to staff who attended.
The Independent Police Conduct Authority has also been informed.
If you have information which can help the investigation team, please call Henderson Police Station on 09 839 0600.
Ends Released by: Kaye Calder, Senior Media Adviser: District Liaison, tel
04 460 2986