A person has been shot in the Christchurch suburb of Linwood this morning, and a manhunt is underway.
Police are responding to a serious incident on Hereford Street in Linwood, Christchurch. Photo: RNZ / Nate Mckinnon
The incident was reported to police just after 11.15am and emergency services are at the scene on Hereford St, central Christchurch.
A police spokesperson has confirmed to RNZ a man received a gunshot injury outside a property near the intersection of Hereford Street and Stanmore Road in Christchurch just after 11.15am.
The man - who was taken to hospital - was in a serious condition, the spokesperson said.
Police are now in the early stages of an investigation and there have been no arrests.
Detective senior sergeant Tania Jellyman said police appreciated a firearms incident on a suburban street would have caused anxiety for the local community.
The community would notice an increase in patrols in the area, she said.
Photo: RNZ / Nate Mckinnon
Tracey Lee, who owns a childcare centre near the cordon, said she heard a commotion at the time of the shooting but it was business as usual now.
"We have had several parents concerned that they haven't been able to come in to the centre down the normal streets that they'd take.
"But I've spoken with the police and been reassured that there's no risk or threat to the children here or any of our parents that are accessing the service."
A staff member at a local business just outside the cordoned-off area said it was a stressful morning.
"I trust they've [police] got it in hand but yeah, it's fairly off-putting when you're trying to run your business and you turn and look out your window and there's a cop with an automatic weapon [outside]."
Police were asking for witnesses or anyone with information or concerns to make contact.
Cordons are up around Hereford Street and Stanmore Road while the incident is investigated.
More to come...