“[There was] a lot of chaos … I just heard a lot of screaming … then we heard heaps of different sirens and saw armed offenders [squad members] turn up and we were like, ‘Oh my gosh, something’s happened’.
“There were about five cop cars. And there was one of the big police vans that turned up as well … I saw [armed police] down our street, and our street and a bunch of others around us got blocked off, and everyone was told to stay in their houses.”
The complex at the centre of the homicide investigation is called Guthrey Courts.
Police at the scene on Olliviers Rd, Christchurch, where two people died and two others suffered serious injuries in an overnight incident. Photo / Anna Leask
It was built in 1977 and currently has 32 single-storey units. It is owned by Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust.
A woman who lives nearby said Guthrey Courts was made up of “blocks and blocks” of flats.
She knew a few people who lived there, most of them older people.
She said parts of the street got “rowdy and busy” at times, but the housing complex was generally quiet.
“It was quiet last night,” she said.
Residents posted on Facebook about a large emergency response, including five police cars and three ambulances.
Reeves said two people died at the scene and two were taken to hospital with serious injuries.
“Police want to reassure the public there is no risk to their safety but also appreciate this incident will be deeply upsetting and unsettling for those who reside in the area.”
The neighbour who spoke to the Herald said a man and woman aged in their late 20s or early 30s lived at the property where the people died.
She didn’t know if anyone else lived there.
“It’s just a bit concerning how something like that can happen so close to home.”
Reeves said residents should expect an increased police presence in the coming days.
“[We] appreciate their co-operation as scene examinations continue.”
Anyone who may have seen anything or may have CCTV of the area should contact police on 105 and quote file number 261010/6589, she said.
“Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.”
More to come …