Police have contained a “serious incident” occurring in Auckland, New Zealand’s CBD on Thursday morning.
Witnesses reported a man armed with a gun entered a construction building around 7:20am local time and claimed to have heard up to five gunshots.
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Acting Superintendent Sunny Patel said multiple injuries have been reported and could confirm two people have died.
The male offender has also died.
Police said the offender moved through the building site and continued to fire the gun.
He had made his way to the upper levels of the building where he contained himself in an elevator shaft.
Police “attempted to engage” with the offender where he then fired further shots.
He was located deceased a short time after.
“What has unfolded is understandably alarming and we are reassuring the public that this incident has been contained and is an isolated incident,” New Zealand Police said in a social media post.
“We can also advise that this is not a national security risk.”
The incident occurred nearby a fans’ live site for the FIFA Women’s World Cup which was preparing to welcome fans in just a few hours times.
Auckland is hosting the Cup’s opening match, but it’s believed the incident is unrelated to the event.
Police have commenced an investigation into the incident. The public have been asked to continue to stay clear of the area while police begin their work.
It’s expected police will front the media later this afternoon.
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