A manhunt is underway after police confirmed the two people found dead in South Auckland were victims in a suspected double homicide.
Police said they would search through the night for the person or people they believe are responsible.
“At about 1.45pm, emergency services responded to reports of a woman unresponsive at an address on Gambare Place.
“Sadly, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
“During a search of the property police have located a man who was also pronounced deceased.”
The scene on Thursday evening.
RNZ / Erin Johnson
Detective Inspector Tofilau Faamanuia Va’aelua said the offender or offenders fled the scene prior to officers arriving.
“We know the community will be understandably alarmed by what has occurred, and we are doing everything we can to locate this person and hold them to account,” Va’aelua said.
“While this appears to be an isolated incident at this stage, we are unable to rule anything out.”
Police were now determining the exact cricumstances of the incident, he said.
“This is an awful set of events and no doubt unsettling for everyone involved and the wider community.”
Neighbours told RNZ the people living at the house had not been there for long.
Cordons are in place on Mahia Road in Wattle Downs with residents not able to enter, while police conduct a scene examination.
Members of the public are advised to avoid the area.
Anyone with information on the incident that could help police with enquiries could contact 105.
Police at the scene of an incident on Gambare Place, Manurewa.
RNZ / Marika Khabazi
The incident prompted two schools, Te Haikura a Kiwa and Leabank Primary School, to go into lockdown on Thursday afternoon.
“Please do not come to the school or phone the school as you will not be attended to and this may cause disruption to the management of this incident and could potentially place yourselves and/or our staff and student’s safety at risk,” Te Haikura a Kiwawrote on social media and its website at the time.
Police at the scene of an incident on Gambare Place, Manurewa.
RNZ / Marika Khabazi
Leabank Primary School, which is located across the road, also went into lockdown in response to the incident.
“We have come out of lockdown and all students, staff, and persons on-site are safely accounted for. Everyone did extremely well and responded to instructions,” Leabank Principal Caroline McLeod posted on social media after the lockdown had ended.
“A notice will be going out to parents/caregivers tonight to provide some more information on what has occurred today.”