Man in stable condition and Woman dead after police attend incident of family harm

Police can confirm that the man who was shot by police last night in the Christchurch suburb of Bryndwr is now in a stable and non-life threatening condition. A woman, known to be the man's partner, was also shot by police and pronounced dead at the scene. 

Both shots were fired by the same officer with a long range rifle.

Police were called to the Kāinga Ora property on Clyde road around 11pm on Wednesday night after reports of a family harm incident by someone not present at the property. The caller told police the man was armed with a hunting knife and was threatening to hurt himself and his partner. 

Police arrived at the scene armed, and were met by the woman running from the house. She was followed closely by the man holding the knife. Police believed the woman's life to be in serious danger and made the call to shoot the man. As police moved forward to administer first aid, the woman grabbed the knife advancing at police. 

Canterbury District Commander, Superintendent Tony Hill says, “Officers appealed for her to put the weapon down, but she instead moved forward. 

There were 10 police officers at the scene at the time.

Superintendent Hill acknowledges the difficult situation the officers found themselves in last night. He says, drawing a firearm is one the last things a police officer wants to do and this will most likely be the most significant decision they make in their police career”

Cordens will remain in place over the coming days as a scene examination is carried out.

A critical investigation is ongoing, and the matter has been referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority. 

Superintendent Hill says there is no further risk to the public.