Four police officers have been shot in New Zealand after a “crisis situation” erupted during a drug bust, according to authorities and the media.
The drama took place on a rural property outside the small town of Kawerau in the Bay of Plenty on the North Island.
Radio NZ reported that police had been searching for cannabis plants near Kawerau when they were shot at just after 10.45am.
Police said in a press conference that two police officers received moderate injuries and were in a stable condition, a third was in a stable but serious condition, and a fourth had a gunshot wound to his hand.
There were unconfirmed reports from New Zealand media and local people on the scene that a police surveillance plane – also said to be looking for cannabis – came under fire during the incident.
The armed offenders squad was attending the incident and specialist and armed staff were being sent in.
Police said they were dealing with a “sole assailant” at the address.
The editor of the Whakatane Beacon, Geoff Mercer, said that before the officers were shot he heard reports a police plane had been fired on.
Rebecca Rooney, a duty manager at Kawerau Hotel, said rumours were flying at the pub.
“We suspect this is a drugs incident but nobody knows, we haven’t been told anything. We are just here waiting to find out what’s happening. We feel safe though – no one has told us it isn’t safe or anything. I’m not scared.”
Another local person who did not wish to be named said the community was calm and people were getting together to “talk” and wait for more information.
