Please attribute to Detective Inspector Ross McKay:
Police want to reassure the Whanganui community that we are doing everything we can to find the people responsible for the fatal shooting of a man in Puriri Street, Castlecliff this morning.
This is not a random attack. The victim, a 27-year-old man, and the offenders are known to each other and are known to Police.
We believe the parties involved have links or associations to gangs, but we are in the early stages of the investigation and are unable to comment further on this at this stage.
As this conflict is between two parties known to each other, we do not believe there is associated risk to members of the general public.
We want the Whanganui community to feel comfortable that there is a strong Police presence in the area working hard to investigate this crime.
Extra officers have been brought in from Manawatu and Taranaki to assist and for that reason people will notice an increased Police presence across the city.
People shouldn’t be alarmed by this, but reassured. Our staff are appropriately trained and equipped to deal with any situation which may arise.
The investigation team are following strong lines of enquiry to locate the offenders in this homicide.
We are also ensuring the whanau of the victim are supported at this time.
As we continue to investigate this homicide, we ask that anyone who witnesses anything suspicious or out of the ordinary contacts Whanganui Police on 06 349 0600.
You can also give information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre