Two police officers injured in today’s shooting incident at Otakiri in the Bay or Plenty have been discharged from hospital.
Another officer has been transferred to Waikato Hospital in a serious but stable condition, while the officer who was shot in the hand will undergo further treatment at Waikato Hospital tomorrow.
The police operation at an Otakiri address will continue through the night. No further shots have been fired since this afternoon and the scene will remain cordoned and contained overnight.
Acting Commissioner Mike Clement says police are heartened by the messages of support which have been received from people throughout the country.
“I realise this incident will have caused great shock to the community in the Bay of Plenty and beyond.
“I would like to reassure everyone that police are doing everything we can to get this situation resolved peacefully.
“Bay of Plenty staff have told me they have been greatly touched by the messages they’ve received from the public and it is heartening to see the support which police receive in these difficult situations.
“We are also very focussed on providing all the support necessary to our injured staff and their families,” said Mr Clement.
Police can confirm reports that two dog handlers were involved in this afternoon’s incident, but no dogs were hurt.
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Media please note that no further updates will be given overnight unless there are any significant developments to report. A written update will be provided to media at 6am tomorrow morning.