Six people have been injured in a shooting in the Auckland suburb of Glen Innes overnight after a family gathering reportedly got out of hand.
Eyewitnesses say the gathering started at around 11am on Wednesday when a group of four or five men in their 20s were drinking together, before more than half-a-dozen older people - mainly men - joined them in the evening.
Newshub understands drugs and alcohol were involved at the party and police do not believe it was gang-related.
Police say at around 2:55am, offenders went to an address on Heatherbank St and fired a shotgun several times.
An eyewitness told Newshub that shortly after the shooting, they heard a woman crying while another person said they heard a car speed off.
Most neighbours Newshub spoke to said they were woken by the sound of the police helicopter in the area.
Six people were injured in the shooting, with five of those taken to Auckland City Hospital. Two people are in a serious condition and will undergo surgery over the coming days, police say. The remaining three are receiving treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.
Inspector Jim Wilson, Police area commander for east Auckland city, says no arrests have been made at this stage in relation to the firearms incident.
One arrest was made this morning after police allegedly found a man in possession of a large quantity of cannabis, he says.
"This man was seen fleeing the Heatherbank Street property by the Police helicopter, Eagle, before staff approached the address," Insp Wilson says.
"The 21-year-old was located in the nearby area and has since been charged with possession for supply of cannabis."
He is due to appear in the Auckland District Court later this month.
Police say enquiries are underway into what led to the shooting.
"This will include speaking with those people at the address as well as wider area enquiries," a police spokesperson said on Thursday.
"Glen Innes residents will notice a heightened police presence over the coming days in response to this incident and a scene guard is currently in place at the Heatherbank Street address. A scene examination will also be taking place."
St John told Newshub they received a call about the incident at 2:56am on Thursday with three ambulances, one manager, and one rapid response vehicle responding to the incident.
Police say they would like to hear from anyone who may have information about the incident.
"They can contact Police on 105 quoting the file number 220324/7219. People can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111."
