Three people are dead following a “serious incident” in Auckland’s Papatoetoe.
It comes after a man told RNZ he saw a body lying on the front porch of his neighbour’s home as police and ambulances arrived at the scene.
Police responded to the scene on Cambridge Terrace after receiving a call at 6.40pm on Thursday about a dead person at an address, Detective Inspector Karen Bright said.
Do you know more? Email iwitness@rnz.co.nz
On arrival, Bright said police located the person and two others who were found dead in the home.
“While our investigation is in the early stages, we are not currently looking for anyone else in connection to what has occurred.”
Bright said police didn’t believe there was any risk to the wider public.
RNZ / Felix Walton
“We are waiting for the completion of the scene examination, which will help us piece together the circumstances that led to this tragic event,” Bright said.
“Police recognise events like this hit at the hearts of our communities, and we are doing everything we can to answer the many questions around this devastating incident.”
Quentin Fenton told RNZ he saw ambulances and police start showing up before seeing a body lying on a front porch and “blood everywhere”.
Ten minutes earlier, Fenton had sent his children up to the shops. They walked past the neighbour’s house and waved to a man outside, who smiled back at them.
Fenton said those who live in the house are “good people” who have helped him jump start his car.
He said the incident was a “big shock” and “too close to home”.
RNZ / Felix Walton
“I’ve got four kids myself, just a bit freaked out by this.”
Fenton said it was “all a bit surreal” and “too much”.
Manukau Ward councillor Alf Filipaina said he had spoken to a senior district police officer who reiterated that there’s no concern for the wider community.
Filipaina, who was himself in the police for over 38 years, is concerned by reports that members of the public saw a dead body at the property.
“My humble suggestion, being in the police for quite a few years and seeing quite a few incidents that people should never see, is just to seek help for themselves as well, it’s just so important to do that.
“That’ll be the message and you know, just talk to each other about it as well because that’ll help.”
Bright said police were providing wraparound care to the whanāu of those who had died as well as neighbours.
“Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.”