Woman found dead in Dunedin, man critically injured nearby

Police at the scene in Seacliff. Photo: Otago Daily Times

Police have found a firearm following an incident in the tiny settlement of Seacliff, near Dunedin, which left a woman dead and a man critically injured.

The 53-year-old woman was found dead at a house in Seacliff.

It is understood the 59-year-old man, taken from a reserve in Russell Rd, had firearm wounds.

He was taken to Dunedin Hospital and remains in a critical condition.

Detective Senior Sergeant Malcolm Inglis, of Dunedin CIB, said this afternoon a firearm was found at Truby King Reserve.

Police are not commenting on the link between the man and woman or their injuries at this stage of their inquiries.

Police are investigating three scenes, including one where the woman's body was found.

Inspector Jason Guthrie said two of the scenes were very close together and a firearm had been located.

A section of Coast Rd remained cordoned off this afternoon.

A Seacliff resident, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Otago Daily Times she was "very worried'' about a friend after seeing police going in and out of her house.

The woman said she first knew something was up when she noticed a helicopter flying around about 9am.

She still knew very little about what had happened - apart from what was in the media - but saw a lot of police in the area when she left her house about 11.30am.

She was pleased the danger was over, but "very worried about the people concerned''. Having an armed incident in her neighbourhood was also "terribly unsettling'' for people living in the area, she said.

However, police said today they wanted to reassure the community that this was an isolated incident, and residents should not have any concerns for their safety.

St John communications adviser Ian Henderson confirmed that one person had been taken to Dunedin Hospital.

He said St John were alerted to the incident at 8.18am and sent an ambulance, the Otago Regional Rescue Helicopter and the Fire Service as co-response.