Papatoetoe man shot by police dies in hospital

A police cordon at the scene in Papatoetoe
A police cordon at the scene in Papatoetoe Photo credit: Newshub

The man shot by police in the Auckland suburb of Papatoetoe on Thursday has died.

Police were called to the Avis Avenue address shortly before 6pm on Thursday after shots were fired into a neighbouring house.

The armed offenders squad, police and an eagle helicopter were on site as police attempted to negotiate with the man.

At 8:24pm he came out of the house holding a shotgun, which he refused to drop when asked to do so.

He was shot by police, and St John staff rushed in to provide medical care before he was taken to Middlemore Hospital.

Counties Manukau district commander superintendent Jill Rogers says the incident is "very upsetting".

"This really is a worst-case scenario for our staff who unfortunately were put into a position last night where they have had to use lethal force to ensure not only their safety but the safety of the wider community."

"We now also have a family who have lost a loved one and so we will do what we can to ensure they are well supported along with victim support."

A neighbour told The AM Show the incident terrified his wife and young son.

"She was inside, scared. My son was scared too, he didn't want to go to school - he said he wanted to stay with his nana," Feras Mousses said on Friday.

Moussess was at work and was not allowed to pass through the police cordon to be with his family.

It's a similar story for another neighbour, who did not want to be identified. 

They told The AM Show they weren't allowed home at all and slept in their car.

"This morning I asked if I could go home and take a shower and they said 'no' - so now I have to go to work without it."

The Independent Police Conduct Authority has been informed, and an investigation into the killing is underway.