A man has been arrested after a police officer was injured in a shooting in Flat Bush earlier today, October 6.
It followed a three-and-a-half hour stand off with police in the suburb, which has a number of schools and childcare centres nearby.
In an updated statement at 1.30pm, Counties Manukau Police District Commander, Superintendent Shanan Gray, says: “A man has been taken into custody in Flat Bush this afternoon following an ongoing incident.
“Just after 9.30am, officers were at a property in Chapel Road conducting enquiries when a firearm was discharged at police.
“A police officer was transported to hospital and has since been discharged.
“Cordons remain in place on Chapel Road, between Baverstock Road and Stancombe Road, while enquiries continue.
“Police will provide a further update when we are able to.”
The manager of a nearby childcare centre which was in lockdown told the Franklin Times she heard gunshots at about 1pm.
Shortly afterwards she said she was advised by the Ministry of Education that the centre could open again.
Botany Downs Secondary College posted a message on its Facebook page this afternoon stating it had come out of lockdown and “all students, staff and persons onsite are safely accounted for”.
“Everyone did extremely well and responded to instructions.
“A note will be going out to parents/caregivers tonight to provide some information on what has occurred today.
“I would like to personally thank you for your support and trust during this difficult time.”
The message followed one posted at 12.25pm which stated the school was in lockdown due to the police incident in the area.
“All students are safe and this is a precautionary measure,” the school said at the time.
“We will continue to provide updates on our website as often as possible.
“Please do NOT contact your child as this could compromise their safety.
“Please do NOT come to the school as it could potentially place yourselves and/or staff and student’s safety at risk.
“Do NOT phone the school as your call will not be attended to.
“Your assistance and co-operation are appreciated at this time.
We will update this website when the lockdown has been completed.”‘
Baverstock Oaks School in Baverstock Road, Flat Bush, went into lockdown during the police incident also.
