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Wairarapa Police investigating armed incident in Masterton last night

Wednesday 27 July 2011, 2:08PM

By New Zealand Police

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MASTERTON

Wairarapa Police are investigating an armed incident which occurred late last night in Masterton.

Acting Wairarapa Area Commander Detective Inspector Paul Basham says three men with gang connections entered a Church Street address just after 11 o'clock last night and presented a firearm at the two occupants.

"The male occupant was then assaulted by the three offenders. The female at the address managed to escape from the house and alert a neighbour."

Detective Inspector Basham says a short time later Police were called to another incident nearby where members of the public reported seeing a man being beaten up outside a Colombo Street house.

"The Armed Offenders Squad (AOS) was called out to assist. A male was taken to hospital with moderate injuries, believed to be as a result of the beating in Colombo Street."

Paul Basham says two thorough scene examinations are being carried out at both the Church Street house and the Colombo Street property and further enquiries are being made to identify the offenders involved.

"I have consistently said as the Acting Wairarapa Area Commander, that where we are made aware of incidents which have elements of organised crime and violence, we will move swiftly and robustly, committing whatever resources we need to hold those people to account. The Wairarapa Police has a zero tolerance for this type of cowardly anti-social behaviour."

He says Police urge anyone with any information in relation to either of these incidents last night to come forward and speak to them.

Anyone with any information should phone Wairarapa Police on (06) 370 0300 or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.