Invercargill shooting: Police officer suspected of shooting partner and another man

A firearm has been recovered following the fatal shooting of a woman, allegedly by her police officer partner, in Invercargill last night.

Southern District Commander, Superintendent Paul Basham, confirmed the recovery this afternoon.

A police officer is alleged to have fatally shot his female partner and a man in the Anzac Day double shooting.

Just after 8pm on Otepuni Ave, Newfield, witnesses said, a man pulled up outside the house and began shooting.

Today, a source told the Herald the shooter was an off-duty policeman.

Emergency services at the scene of a double shooting in Invercargill last night. Photo / Dwayne Carey

The mother of the police officer earlier told Fairfax she didn't know how her son was.

"I'm holding up okay, I've got a lot of friends and family," she said.

"It's a very, very long story."

She told Fairfax she did not know the other man involved.

Basham said police were aware of media reports regarding the shooting.

"While we understand the high interest in this, police are constrained from commenting on these reports at this immediate time.

"There is a legal process we need to work through before we are in a position to comment any further. Police hope to be in a position to provide further information later today once these legal issues have been considered."

A New Zealand Police spokesman said he was unable to confirm the alleged shooter was an officer.

The shot man is in a stable condition in hospital this afternoon, Basham said.

A third person, a man, is also being treated in hospital and assisting police with the investigation.

Detectives are not looking for anyone else in connection with the shooting, Basham said.

Police were ensuring support was in place for victims and their families, Basham said.

"We are very aware of the impact this tragedy will be having on the community."

The investigation team also wanted to speak with people who witnessed what happened last night or who had information which could help.

Anyone with information should call Invercargill Central Police Station on (03) 211 0400.

Alternatively, people can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police earlier confirmed the woman was found dead at the scene. The second victim was last night in hospital with serious injuries.

A witness, who last night saw a man pull up on his bike in what's been described as a largely industrial area, said there were "cops everywhere".

He saw police with torches searching an area outside the commercial building.

Local Terry Brown said he saw a "chap" cycle past, and had an inkling something was off.

"It didn't look right. It looked a bit suspicious," he said.

His interest was piqued when the man took off the top he was wearing and put on another, darker piece of clothing before cycling down Otepuni Ave.

Within half an hour the cyclist rode back past his house, still wearing the dark clothing.

This morning the street remained closed.