Darfield High School mourns second tragedy in a weekend after fatal shooting

Police are yet to confirm if the Darfield gunman was shot and killed by a police officer. 

Police responded to reports of a shooting on Bangor Rd in the Canterbury township just after 4pm on Sunday, following reports a 56-year-old man had threatened his family with a loaded gun and had fired multiple shots. 

Police officers and the Armed Offenders Squad (AOS) noticed a man attempting to flee the property in a vehicle.

They laid road spikes to prevent him making a getaway, but he drove at one officer, hitting him and causing him to suffer a serious leg injury. He then did a u-turn and drove at officers again.

The driver was shot at by police in response, and was found dead moments later.

In an email to parents, Darfield High School Principal James Morris confirmed the incident involved a family who has students at the school.

It's offered support to the family and their children, who live less than 1km away from the school.

"We are keeping an eye out to assist where needed. The Ministry of Education has been in contact with the school to help as required," the email reads. 

It's a double-blow for the school, as another student is fighting for his life in a coma after a motorbike accident over the weekend.

The shooting matter has been referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority. 

The man's family have been offered Victim Support and a Family Liaison Officer is working with them. 

Police continue to investigate the incident and are carrying out a post-mortem and scene examination.

Canterbury District Commander Superintendent John Price told media on Monday that the incident was a "dynamic and extremely fast-moving critical incident".

"Police officers go to work every day to do a great job, ensure public safety and protect all members of their community from harm," he said.

"An incident like this is the absolute last thing that any officer wants to happen on their shift."

The police officer who was run over remains in hospital in a stable condition, and is awaiting surgery.

Newshub.