Despite armed offenders remaining at large since Wednesday night, Gore District Mayor Ben Bell says the public is not in danger.
Two people were airlifted to hospital after a firearm incident in Gore on Wednesday night, but Mr Bell reassured the community it was an “isolated incident”.
In a statement released yesterday morning, police said they were called to an Aparima St address about 8pm with reports of a firearm being discharged.
The offenders fled before police arrived and were still “outstanding”, but police said the community was not at risk.
Mr Bell understood people would hear the word “firearm” and be worried.
He said Gore residents could “rest-assured” the emergency services were capable.
“Police are all over it,” he said.
The violence was a reminder to look after one another at the end of the year, when people were tired, and just trying to make it through, he said.
Police said one of the two injured people had serious injuries, the other was in a moderate condition.
Armed police have been posted at the Aparima St address since the event occurred.
The police statement said a scene examination was to follow.
A neighbour said he had kept his property locked since hearing about the situation from his mother-in-law.
He said he had seen police at the small block of units at least six times in the past year.
Another neighbour said there was always something going on at the flats.
Police said they knew members of the community would know the offenders’ identities and were asking them to come forward.
“This is clearly a serious incident and police are treating all factors with urgency,” they said.