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Auckland shooting: Suspect at large, schools locked down, after two NZ police officers are shot, one fatally, during traffic stop

Ben McKayAAP
An officer has died after two police were shot in West Auckland. Photo / Michael Craig-NZHerald
Camera IconAn officer has died after two police were shot in West Auckland. Photo / Michael Craig-NZHerald Credit: Supplied

Update: New Zealand is mourning the first death of an on-duty officer since 2009 as police continue a major search for the offender.

On Friday, two officers attending a "routine traffic stop" in the west Auckland suburb of Massey were confronted by a man with a long-barrelled firearm, who shot both of them according to police.

One later died in Auckland hospital. The other is still recovering with serious injuries but in a stable condition.

With a heavy heart, Police Commissioner Andrew Coster announced the death and that officers had detained two people of interest.

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Mr Coster said officers would remain armed across Auckland and on high alert "until we're satisfied we have the people we're looking for".

"I believe there were two people in that vehicle and we are seeking both people," he said.

"This was a fast moving, unpredictable and tragic event."

Both Mr Coster and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the death was devastating.

"To lose a police officer is to lose someone working for all of us, but also a family member, someone's loved one and friend. My condolences go to them and to their police whanau," Ms Ardern said, using the Maori word for family.

Superintendent Naila Hassan said the officer, whose identity had not been made public, had not been in the force for long.

The offender also struck a member of the public in his vehicle, seriously injuring them.

Massey resident Elaine Taniela told the NZ Herald she heard gunshots from her home, and a friend "saw a cop on the ground. He looked like he was having a seizure".

Police put cordons in place, locked down schools and raided a property in nearby West Harbour during their large-scale operation.

Mr Coster said the officers identified a "vehicle of interest" and pursued it with sirens and lights, only to lose track.

That vehicle was located a short time later, crashed on Reynella Drive.

As police approached, a man climbed out and opened fire.

The offender fled with another person in a second vehicle, which was also later abandoned.

"We have located a firearm of interest and we are following strong lines of inquiry," Mr Coster said.

"A general arming order remains in place across Auckland and will remain so until we are confident that it is no longer required."

The officer's death is the first in New Zealand since the murder of Senior Constable Len Snee in a 2009 siege in Napier involving more than 100 police.

Since the force's founding in 1890, 22 officers have been killed on duty.

The death comes after a nationwide debate as to whether New Zealand should arm its police officers.

An unpopular trial of armed officers in three regions with high gun violence and offences recently concluded, generating enormous community backlash.

Mr Coster announced earlier this month he would not be seeking the general arming of officers.

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