Auckland shooting leaves two dead ahead of World Cup

Two people have been killed in a shooting in Auckland's Central Business District. Six other people, including police officers have been injured.

The gunman is also dead.

The shooting took place on a construction site at 07:22 New Zealand time.

The motive for the attack has not been established, but police are not treating the attack as terrorism. The public have been assured that there is no ongoing threat.

The shooting took place on the morning of the opening game of the women's football World Cup. 40,000 fans are expected at Eden Park to watch New Zealand take on Norway. The match has gone ahead. Sport Minister Grant Robertson said there would be extra police in the area to provide reassurance.

It is believed that shooter, 24-year-old Matu Tangi Matua Reid, was known to police and had a history of family violence and mental health issues. He was subject to a home detention order, though was granted an exemption to work at the site. He did not have a firearm licence.

Mayor Wayne Brown said: "I can’t remember anything like this ever happening in our beautiful city. This morning’s events have been tragic and distressing for all Aucklanders, as this is not something that we are used to.

“What we know is that this is an isolated incident. This appears to be the act of one individual, this was not a threat to national security, nor was it in any way related to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Event.

“While the details of the victims have not yet been confirmed, I want to express my condolences to their families. I also want express sympathy for those in the construction industry and commuters who will be feeling on edge following this incident."