A person has been seriously injured after allegedly being struck by a machete during a fight in the car park of an Auckland mall last night.
Three people will face court today after the incident and a later warrantless search at a South Auckland property, where three firearms were seized.
Auckland City CIB Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend said officers responded to a report of two groups of people fighting in the car park at St Lukes Mall at about 7pm yesterday.
He said one person sustained serious injuries after being struck with a machete, and was transported to hospital by an associate.
“Shortly after, police arrested two people at a property in Mt Roskill and inquiries remain ongoing,” he said.
Later that night, Friend said the armed offenders squad carried out a warrantless search at an Emerson Rd, Clover Park property after receiving information relating to online threats made to a person, involving a firearm.
Armed police descended on a home near South Auckland’s Ōtara overnight. (Source: 1News)
“A search of the property located three firearms,” Friend said.
“Given the nature of this job and the report of a firearm present, police acted very quickly. This behaviour is unacceptable and we will continue to prosecute such offending.”
A 1News camera operator at the scene said the search occurred shortly after 2am this morning.
Senior Sergeant Alistair Grant earlier told 1News the threat was “very much” a credible one.
A 29-year-old man has been charged with three counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, fighting in a public place and behaving threateningly.
He would appear in Auckland District Court today, as well as two men aged 22 and 32 charged with fighting in a public place.
Friend said inquiries remain ongoing and further charges could not been ruled out.
