WOMEN'S WORLD CUP 2023
Mass shooting in Auckland New Zealand before Women’s World Cup: was anyone killed or injured?
Auckland, the location for the World Cup opening game, suffered a mass shooting on the eve of the tournament.
A mass shooting has occurred in Auckland, New Zealand, just hours before the opening game of the Women’s World Cup.
Six people were said to have been injured and now police services have confirmed that two people have died as a result of the attack.
Follow live updates of the situation in Auckland
The city was placed under lockdown ahead of the game between New Zealand and Norway which will take place at Eden Park before Australia play against the Republic of Ireland just hours later in Sydney.
Police confirm two people have died
The gunman has been confirmed to have died after police intervention and various people have been injured in the attack that is thought not to be linked to the upcoming World Cup.
The person responsible was said to have stormed a building near a Britomart supermarket; police forces have requested that the public stay indoors.
Police have confirmed that six people have been confirmed as injured, with three people in a serious condition.
The statement from New Zealand Police posted online said “this incident unfolded after reports of a person discharging a firearm inside the site on lower Queen Street at around 7.22am. A significant number of Police responded and cordoned off the area. The Police Eagle helicopter was also deployed and provided oversight.
The offender has moved through the building site and continued to discharge his firearm. Upon reaching the upper levels of the building, the male has contained himself within the elevator shaft and our staff have attempted to engage with him.
Further shots were fired from the male and he was located deceased a short time later. Details around what has exactly occurred are still emerging and Police will continue to provide updates around injuries and the circumstances.
What has unfolded is understandably alarming and we are reassuring the public that this incident has been contained and is an isolated incident. We can also advise that this is not a national security risk.
Police are now commencing an investigation into what has occurred this morning. Cordons remain in place and we are continuing to ask the public to stay away from the area as our work continues.
Updates will continue to be provided this morning and Police will also be fronting an update to media this afternoon.”
This is a developing story and will be updated.