A homicide investigation is underway after one man was found dead and another critically injured at a Lower Hutt property early this morning.
Detective Inspector Haley Ryan said emergency services were called to a George St, Stokes Valley, address shortly after 2am.
"Upon arriving at the address, officers located one man, who sadly died at the scene, and a second injured man a short distance away."
A homicide investigation is underway after officers were called to the George St address shortly after 2am. (Source: 1News)
Ryan said the injured man had undergone surgery for life-threatening injuries.
"Investigators are working to piece together the events that led to this tragic event, and have been speaking with residents in the street and carrying out a scene examination of the property.
"We understand this event will be particularly distressing for members of the community, and police will have an increased presence in the area over the coming days."
A 1News reporter at the scene earlier said officers could be seen speaking to residents. A blue police tent had been put up in front of the property.
Local resident Daniel Kean said the event was "bloody terrifying" and "nerve shattering".
"A lot of people here are old people, a lot of people here have kids," he said.
Kean told 1News that he knew most of the people in the house and that he'd had them over.
"They seem to stick to themselves, they don't cause any trouble."
Another resident said that there had been a party involving local gang members. They said there had been burnouts and fighting involving around 20 patched members about 1.30am.
Hutt City councillor Naomi Shaw said that it was unusual activity for a quiet street and that a lot of people in Stokes Valley were shocked by the news.
"I want everyone to keep calm and let the police do their work and be supportive of anybody involved."
Stuff reports the incident is a suspected shooting, with neighbours saying they heard loud bangs after midnight.
Anyone with information or CCTV within the Stokes Valley area and Eastern Hutt Rd is urged to contact police on 105 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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