Police confirm that the victims of a violent home invasion near Opotoki last night are in a comfortable and stable condition in hospital and are working with Police to help establish what happened.
"Understandably both victims are in shock after this violent home invasion and Police family liaison officers, Victim Support and the family are continuing to support them as they recover from their ordeal," Assistant Commissioner Upper North, Allan Boreham, said.
The man and woman suffered deep cuts to their hands during the incident, in which the offender fled in a stolen a dark blue 4wd Ford Ranger, armed with a stolen rifle. The pair are expected to undergo minor surgery for their injuries later today, but these are not life-threatening.
In the meantime, Police are still working to establish the identity of the man at the centre of the incident, who died after an armed exchange with Police on the North Shore around 2.15am today. Once his identity was confirmed, next of kin would be advised.
Mr Boreham said Police were interested in hearing from anyone who may have seen the stolen Ford Ranger as it travelled from the Bay of Plenty to Auckland overnight. The vehicle was taken soon after 7.30pm yesterday and initially travelled towards Rotorua, before turning North, heading over the Kaimai ranges around 10.30pm and on to Auckland. The incident ended about 2am today after Police deployed road spikes near Sunset Road on the North Shore and stopped the vehicle.
Mr Boreham said the driver had continually attempted to evade Police, firing on officers on at least three different occasions with a high-powered rifle as he headed north in the stolen vehicle.
"Police's first priority in any incident is to ensure the public and our officers are kept safe, and we are saddened that this has ended in tragedy. We also have two victims who have been left hurt and traumatised, but are relieved that no-one else was injured during this fast-moving, dangerous and unpredictable situation."
Various inquiries were now underway in different parts of the upper North Island to find out more about what happened and why, Mr Boreham said. The Independent Police Conduct Authority had also been advised.
The Northern Motorway near Sunset Road on the North Shore remains screened off as Police continue to examine the scene, and Police are asking motorists heading south into the city to not slow down while passing the scene so as to not create additional delays.
The Auckland motorway system is open, with the exception of the northern motorway between Tristram Ave and Constellation Drive in heading north. Motorists are advised to expect delays while Police carry out a scene examination.
ENDS
Ed's note: The victims have asked media to please respect their privacy while they recover from this traumatic incident, and do not wish to make any public comment at this time.
Note: Assistant Commissioner Boreham is available for media interviews today between 11.30am and 2pm on request. Ph Ross Henderson, Police Media, Ph 027 703 7329.