Peters warns of arming police

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters says that if criminals continue to use guns it may be necessary to consider arming police routinely.

Mr Peters' comments follow the funeral of Detective Constable Duncan Taylor, who was shot and killed near Feilding on Friday.

"Given this most recent event and the escalation of violence in our society, New Zealanders need to be concerned that they may wake up and find their police force wearing guns," he said.

"What would have once been unthinkable may be the only way we can ensure our front-line police are put on equal footing with armed criminals."

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