An incident that left four people injured, one critically, in Christchurch is believed to involve rival gangs Black Power and Mongrel Mob, RNZ understands.
By Sam Sherwood of RNZ
Emergency services were called to an address on Hoani Street in Northcote about 9.30pm on Wednesday.
One person has life-threatening injuries, and another was seriously hurt.
The two others had minor or moderate injuries, police said.
RNZ understands the incident is believed to involve members of rival gangs Black Power and Mongrel Mob.
A neighbour, who did not want to be identified, said police descended on the street last night.
"I was inside and I just heard a lot of cop cars so I came out to have a look at what was going on. There were probably about 15 police cars, most of them had guns," he told RNZ.
"I saw a guy getting taken away ... and then two ambulances came - or three. They were there for about half an hour and then left."
He said police were regularly in the street.
"There's always a presence, even when there's nothing going on, there's always police patrolling this area at night."
The man did not hear any gunshots.
Another neighbour said she had heard three people were stabbed.
"It is a bit unnerving, especially being a solo grandmother and being at home on my own with my . . . granddaughter, it's a bit scary,' the woman, who did not want to be identified, said.
"From what I've heard, they haven't got anyone in relation to it yet, so that's a bit scary knowing the people are still out there somewhere. It's really uneasy. I'm just glad I've got my dog because my dog would let me know if someone was around."
An RNZ reporter at the scene last night was told by police that there had been reports of shots being fired.
When asked whether the incident involved firearms, Canterbury District Commander Superintendent Tony Hill said: "This forms part of police enquiries."
"The community can be assured that police are working at speed to identify and locate those involved.
"Police believe the parties involved are known to each other and the risk to wider public is minimal."
Hill said there would be more officers in the Northcote area today "as we work to resolve this incident as swiftly as possible".
A scene examination is underway at the property.
Police are appealing to anyone in the area who may have witnessed anything last night to contact them. They can be contacted on 105 using file number 260218/3391.
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