Napier Shooting Update 9am Friday
New Zealand Police National News Release
9:25am 8 May 2009
http://www.police.govt.nz/news/release.html?id=5072
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The offender at the centre of an armed stand-off in Napier remains on the Chaucer Rd property this morning.

Police have been in negotiation with the man throughout the night in an attempt to resolve this dangerous and difficult situation.

Superintendent Sam Hoyle said the situation was fluid and police were constantly monitoring events.

"Our focus today is on trying to resolve the situation. We want to ensure no more people are put at risk or hurt. We are working carefully towards a successful outcome. We remain hopeful that the gunman will talk with us and give himself up," Mr Hoyle said.

Cordons around the Napier Hill area remain and traffic has been diverted from the area. Central School, Napier Intermediate and Nelson Park primary schools are closed today. The principals and boards of trustees made the decision to close the schools as a precautionary measure in consultation with police.

Parents and caregivers have been informed of the situation.

The Civil Defence welfare centre continues to operate from Napier Intermediate School. About 100 people have been at the centre overnight. Accommodation has been provided to those who required it. Many people were able to stay with family or friends.

Mr Hoyle said police would continue today to maintain contact with the offender. There were several indiscriminate shots fired from the Chaucer Rd property last night that were heard around the Napier Hill area.

Some Napier Hill residents have been asked to stay in their homes for safety reasons. If they need to get out of their property for any reason, they should contact the Napier Police Station on 06 8310700 to speak to police.

Mr Hoyle urged people to remain calm. "This is a frightening and unsettling situation for everyone and we understand how people are feeling. We can assure the public that we are doing everything to keep the community safe.

"The support from the Napier and Hawke's Bay community and nationwide has been phenomenal and we are very grateful for everyone's help," Mr Hoyle said.

ENDS

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