Police wish to convey their sympathies with the family of the man shot last night in Christchurch. He has been named as Shayne Richard SIME, age 42 years, of Wadhurst Place, Burnside.
Mr Sime was a paraplegic but at this time is not known for how long he has been paraplegic.
We also wish to convey our sympathies to the families of the civilian and officer shot. Both suffered injuries.
The civilian is a 39 year old man of Wadhurst Place who was peppered with pellets from his shoulders to his groin.
The police officer received head injuries and is very fortunate to have been wearing a percussion helmet. He will undergo minor surgery today.
This is a homicide investigation. Officers will be making inquiries in the Burnside area and further details may be released as these inquiries progress.
The time line of last night's event is still very approximate and will be confirmed as inquiries proceed. We believe that a shot was fired at the property around 5pm but not reported to police.
Around 8.30pm AOS were deployed. Around 10.30pm Mr Sime was shot.
Mr Simes's body is still at the scene and a thorough scene investigation will take place. A forensic team will come from Auckland to assist with the inquiry.
We wish to thank;
all the civilians in the area who had to leave their homes
the Principal and caretaker of Burnside High who opened the premises for those evacuated
The Fire Service
Paramedics at the SAP
Salvation Army
and Red Cross for assisting those evacuated
and everyone else who assisted police.
Detective Superintendent Brett KANE, O/C for Police