Three people are reportedly dead and multiple others injured after a “serious incident” in New Zealand’s biggest city early on Thursday.
A heavy police presence, including armed officers and helicopters, swooped on the Auckland CBD after reports of a gunman at a construction site on Queen Street just after 7.20am (local time).
Streets in the Commercial Bay area were cordoned off amid initial reports that two people had been injured.
Police later confirmed that two people and the gunman had died. They are yet to confirm how many were injured.
Local outlet Newshub reported that a police officer was among those hurt.
“Police have contained a serious incident that unfolded at a construction site in Auckland’s CBD this morning,” NZ Police tweeted.
“Multiple injuries have been reported and at this stage we can confirm two people have died. The male offender is also deceased.”
They said the offender moved through the building, shooting as he did so.
“Upon reaching the upper levels of the building, the male has contained himself within the elevator shaft and our staff have attempted to engage with him,” they said.
“Further shots were fired from the male and he was located deceased a short time later.
“Details around what has exactly occurred are still emerging and Police will continue to provide updates around injuries and the circumstances.”
New Zealand media is reporting the dead gunman was a 24-year-old, and was wearing an electronic monitoring bracelet.
Police said the incident is not being treated as a national security risk. They are expected to provide further updates later on Thursday.
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins will also made a statement.
Locals reported hearing gunshots about 8am (local time), with media broadcasting footage of workers at the building site hiding behind packs of pre-mix cement under police supervision.
Ferry services that operate from a nearby terminal were cancelled.
Thursday’s deadly incident came as Auckland prepared to host the opening game of the Women’s World Cup later on Thursday.
The FIFA Fan Festival base is near where the shooting occurred. Former NZ international Maia Jackson told the NZ Herald she was nearby.
“It’s pretty scary actually. So they pushed us to the back of the [building], where we are, and we’re just trying to keep sane,” she said.
“There’s lots of security and lots of uncertainty.”
Several of the international teams, including the US and Norway, are staying in hotels in the area.
-with AAP
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