Gang tensions prompt Canterbury police to take up arms again

Police are arming themselves in Canterbury from Friday as gang tensions increase.

Canterbury police have been ordered to carry firearms for the second time in a fortnight amid fears of retaliation for the shooting of a gang leader's son.

Members of the gangs are believed to have been involved in a double shooting in Kaiapoi earlier this month.

A police spokesperson says they were investigating heightened gang activity between the Rebels, Mongrel Mob Aotearoa, and the Mongols MC on Friday morning.

They say the order will be reviewed continually and the community can be assured that police are taking action to mitigate concerns.

RNZ