Mike Bain/cvnznews.com

Update 9am Friday

Police are still on the hunt this morning after a man and woman were found dead in a South Auckland home, as they search for those behind the double homicide.

Police worked through the night after two people were found dead at a Gambare Place home in Wattle Downs on Thursday afternoon.

A witness told media he saw a car stop in the street before two people ran towards the property. Moments later, he heard “about eight or nine” gunshots.

Those involved had fled by the time police arrived.

A scene guard remained at the property overnight, with cordons in place.

Detective Inspector Tofilau Faamanuia Va’aelua said police were doing everything they could to find those responsible.

Updated 7pm- Thursday

A double homicide investigation has been launched following the deaths of two people in South Auckland.

Detective Inspector Tofilau Faamanuia Va’aelua said the offender or offenders fled the scene prior to officers arriving at an address on Gambare Place in Wattle Downs and finding one woman and one man dead.

“Our teams will be working through the night to find the person or persons, who we believe are responsible for this crime,” he said in a statement.

“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.

“While this appears to be an isolated incident at this stage, we are unable to rule anything out.”

Va’aelua said cordons would remain in place while a scene examination of the address was carried out.

“Residents of the area can expect to see an increase in police presence as they make inquiries,” he said.

Original story

Police: Two dead amid ‘unfolding serious incident’ in South Auckland

South Auckland is on edge this afternoon after a major police operation in Wattle Downs left two people dead and forced nearby schools and childcare centres into lockdown.

Police were called to Gambare Place around 1.45pm following reports of an unresponsive woman. She was pronounced dead at the scene. During a search of the property, officers located a man who was also deceased.

The circumstances remain unclear, and police say they are dealing with an “unfolding serious incident”. Armed officers have cordoned off parts of Mahia Road, with multiple emergency vehicles, ambulances and a helicopter seen in the area. Police are urging the public to avoid the neighbourhood while investigations continue.

Schools and Childcare Centres Forced Into Lockdown

The sudden police presence prompted several nearby schools to lock down, including Te Haikura a Kiwa High School, Leabank Primary School, and All About Children Childcare.

At the childcare centre, teacher Chirag Chopra said staff were told to lock down without being given any details. Four children and several teachers remained inside, keeping the children calm with toys while waiting for updates.

“We have not been told the reason why,” Chopra said. “We’re just trying to keep the kids feeling good so they don’t get scared.”

Community Shock as Armed Police Swarm Area

Residents described a heavy police presence, with armed officers blocking roads and sirens echoing through the neighbourhood.

Local resident Donna Way said roads were suddenly shut down: “All I’m aware of at the moment is there’s been a massive incident… armed police blocked off roads.”

An employee at McDivitt Street Superette said people were “shocked” and “nervous” as police vehicles, ambulances and a helicopter converged on the area. Some locals speculated about a shooting, though police have not confirmed any such detail.

Across Mahia Road, a pharmacy worker saw an officer holding a rifle while others patrolled nearby streets. Despite the armed presence, many locals continued going about their day.

Police Yet to Release Details

Police have not said whether they are seeking anyone else, nor have they confirmed the cause of death for either person found at the property. Hato Hone St John confirmed they attended but referred all comment back to police.

The situation remains active, with officers still at the scene late this afternoon.

CVNZ News will update this story as more information becomes available.