One Believed Dead After Armed Incident at Auckland’s Sylvia Park

AUCKLAND — One person is believed to be dead following a dramatic armed incident at Sylvia Park on Thursday afternoon, which sent one of New Zealand’s busiest shopping centres into lockdown.

Police swarmed the Mt Wellington shopping centre after reports of a person carrying a firearm and multiple gunshots being heard in the area.

Police have confirmed the incident has now concluded and there is no ongoing risk to public safety, although officers remain at Sylvia Park while enquiries continue.

Witnesses have described seeing an armed man being pursued by Police shortly before several shots were heard.

One witness told 1News he saw a man he believed was carrying a firearm run past him while being chased by armed officers.

“And then they shot him — three shots. Bang,” the witness said.

Police have not yet publicly confirmed the circumstances of the shooting or officially confirmed that officers shot the man.

Another witness reported seeing a man with what appeared to be a large firearm after his vehicle became stuck near Sylvia Park. The man reportedly left the vehicle and ran towards the shopping centre as Police arrived.

Inside Sylvia Park, shoppers and workers were ordered to take cover as parts of the mall were placed into lockdown.

Honey Whale salesperson Saroj Basnet said he heard several “loud bangs” before Police arrived within minutes.

Armed officers, Police dogs and a large number of emergency vehicles were deployed around the shopping centre, while sections of the carpark were sealed off.

Kiwi Property, which owns and manages Sylvia Park, later confirmed the lockdown had been lifted.

“The incident is now contained by NZ Police and while a portion of the centre remains cordoned off, the shopping centre is no longer in lockdown,” a spokesperson said.

Maungakiekie MP Greg Fleming described the incident as frightening for shoppers and workers and said Police had advised him the incident was no longer ongoing.

Auckland Transport said Sylvia Park train station remained open, although several bus services were being diverted around the area.

Police have asked members of the public to avoid the area while investigations continue.

This is a developing story. Further details will be updated as Police release more information.