One person shot dead at South Auckland church, gunman caught

The church at the centre of a fatal shooting in South Auckland this morning has told its congregation the gunman has been caught.

Police were called to the Papatoetoe Seventh Day Adventist Community Church in Puhinui Road, near Manukau town centre, about 10am after reports of someone being shot.

The church's Christmas worship service was due to start about that time.

A police spokesperson confirmed one person was dead, but they would not say if they were looking for anyone in relation to the incident.

Police at the scene of a shooting at a South Auckland church. Photo: Mabel Muller

However, the church service went ahead and a member of the church told the congregation police had caught the man responsible.

"As most of you will know, we've had an incident happen here this morning and I have been talking to the authorities about that and they are really keen for us to continue this morning," the clearly-shaken woman told the service.

"They have already caught the person responsible so there's nothing for us to be afraid of. Having said that, there's obviously a strong presence of police around as they continue to investigate and do their job, but I wanted you to know that he is caught and we are safe."

She then led the congregation in prayer, acknowledging the hurt the church community was feeling in the wake of the shooting.

Manukau business owner, Peter Douglas, from the nearby business Inflatable World said he heard sirens start about an hour ago, and they went on for at least 40 minutes.

St John sent two ambulances, two rapid response vehicles and one manager, but were not needed to transport anyone, a spokesperson confirmed.

More to come...

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/480942/one-person-shot-dead-at-south-auckland-church-gunman-caught