Police seize firearms in Featherston raid

Some of the guns seized by police during a raid on a house in Featherston. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

A hoard of firearms, including a high-powered rifle and a sawn-off shotgun, has been seized during a police raid on a Featherston home.

Wairarapa police and the Armed Offenders Squad yesterday discovered seven firearms and a significant number of tools and other allegedly stolen property during an early-morning raid at the property.

Two people were arrested during the raid.

Detective Senior Sergeant Barry Bysouth said the house had been searched as part of an ongoing investigation into a recent home invasion in South Wairarapa.

The home invasion was alleged to have been committed by three people, who assaulted and threatened the homeowner before stealing from them.

Police were now trying to find out where the weapons came from, but believed the tools had been stolen during crimes throughout the Wairarapa district, Mr Bysouth said.

The arrests and seizure of the firearms were a great outcome, not just for the victims but for everyone in Wairarapa, Mr Bysouth said.

"Seven firearms that were in criminal circulation this morning are now seized and safely stored with the Wairarapa police."

"We have a duty to protect our community, not only in Featherston but throughout New Zealand.

"By removing firearms in circumstances such as these, I hope that we have provided reassurance to the public that we are constantly seeking out opportunities to prevent crime."