Offers of accommodation are flooding into Napier Police and the Civil Defence Welfare Centre for residents unable to return to their homes on part of Napier's Hospital Hill.
Some residents are known to be staying with family members or friends but about 40 people are at the Welfare Centre at Napier Intermediate School where they are being fed and motel beds arranged. Civil Defence and other agencies are working together to make sure people's welfare needs are met.
Superintendent Sam Hoyle, Eastern District Commander, says the offender remains on the Chaucer Rd property. Negotiations are still continuing. Police have been unable at this point to extricate Senior Constable Snee.
Senior Constable Bruce Miller and the local resident who wants to remain anonymous are both in a critical condition in Hawkes Bay Regional Hospital's intensive care unit. Senior Constable Grant Diver is in a serious condition.
Superintendent Hoyle says Eastern District staff appreciate the support and messages they're receiving from the local community and from throughout the country.
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Contacts:
Kris McGehan: 027 222 3638
Kaye Calder: 027 241 6305