Police are investigating after two men were found with gunshot wounds on Addington Avenue in the Auckland suburb of Manurewa early on 1 January. Photo: RNZ / Finn Blackwell
Two men found seriously injured in a Manurewa street had gunshot wounds, police say, and they are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
Police were called to Addington Avenue about 3.20am on New Year's Day, where the two men were found unresponsive in a car. The men were taken to hospital in a critical condition.
Armed police had set up a cordon, and by Monday afternoon part of the street remained closed off as enquiries continued. But police had finished a scene examination, Detective Inspector Karen Bright said.
"We believe that this was an isolated incident and there is not thought to be an ongoing risk to the community," Bright said.
She asked that anyone who knows anything about what happened come forward.
"Police encourage anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who has information that could assist with our enquiries, to contact police."
Neighbours shocked
A Manurewa resident said the neighbourhood was "in shock" after waking up to find their street had become a crime scene.
Forensic specialists had been examining a green sedan that appeared to have crashed into a van parked on the street.
Resident Charlton Leo said the area was normally very quiet.
"This is quite unusual ... no one comes here, it's fairly quiet at night.
"I think everyone's in shock, really."
Armed police stand guard at the spot on Addington Avenue in Manurewa where the two men were found with gunshot wounds. Photo: RNZ / Finn Blackwell
He had returned home last night after watching the fireworks in town and went to bed.
"We saw some flashing lights around about 3am, we didn't think anything of it. We just thought maybe [it was] the police catching some drunk.
"Then we woke up this morning to see everything outside, the street blocked ... we didn't really know anything."
Leo said he did not notice anything out of the ordinary last night.
"There were a few people lighting flares ... people just having fun. We didn't think anything of it, and went to bed."
Police were asking people to avoid the area but said there was no immediate risk to public safety.
Anyone with information about the incident was asked to call police on 105, or to visit their Update Report page online at 105.police.govt.nz and quote file number 240101/2378. Information could also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or on their website.