Armed police have rushed to the centre of a major New Zealand city after eyewitness reports claimed an alleged gunman had wounded at least six civilians in an early morning attack.
A distressed witness in the central business district of Auckland, northern New Zealand, described seeing a person with a gun just after 8am local time on Thursday (July 20).
A police officer is among the injured but was able to walk to an ambulance, assisted by colleagues, according to the New Zealand Herald. Local ambulance services said three people had suffered serious injuries while three more were affected.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown said he believed the gunman was dead but police have yet to confirm this. The attack has taken place as the Women’s Football World Cup officially begins across New Zealand.
Witnesses reported seeing a gunman in a building under construction in the downtown Auckland area as civilians were on their commute to work.
Roughly two dozen police cars and armed officers rushed to the scene on Quay Street, near Britomart, telling workers to “go home, you won’t be going back there”.
Civilians already at work were ordered to barricade themselves inside shops and buildings and await further advice from the police.
The New Zealand Herald said they “understand there are other deaths” in addition to the reported killing of the shooter.
New Zealand Police said in a statement the incident had been “contained to a building in lower Queen Street”, which was under construction.
“Police ask all members of the public to avoid the lower Queen St area and for those in downtown inner-city buildings to remain inside their buildings at this time,” it said.
“This is a significant incident with multiple emergency services responding.
“A large police presence will remain in the area. Police will provide a further update as soon as we are in a position to do so.”
A number of national football teams participating in the Women’s World Cup, which New Zealand is hosting, are staying in hotels near Auckland’s CBD.
The US Women’s Football team spokesperson, who is staying at the SO near Britomart, said: “All of our players and staff are accounted for and safe.
“Our security team is in communication with local authorities and we are proceeding with our daily schedule.”
The Norwegian team, who are due to play New Zealand in the opening fixture of the tournament, are also nearby.
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