Police seek offenders after armed home invasion

Christchurch Police are seeking two offenders after a home invasion in Redwood overnight, during which a woman was injured and a loaded shotgun pointed at Police.

Police were called to an address in Northcote Road just after 1.00am this morning by a neighbour who reported a disturbance.

It was reported that two men, both wearing balaclavas, had forced their way into the house where a mother and two young children had been asleep, and demanded money.

One man was carrying a shotgun and Police say a single shot was fired inside the house.

The woman was able to escape from the property and call for help.

When Police arrived, the two offenders had left the property but the main offender was tracked to an address in nearby Fenchurch Street.

Two Police officers, a dog handler and a constable, confronted the man, who presented the loaded shotgun at the officers.

The police dog was able to subdue the offender, and the dog handler disarmed the man.

The woman suffered minor injuries when leaving the property through a broken glass door, but otherwise nobody was injured. The two children were safely removed from the property by Police and family members.

A 30-year old Christchurch man was to appear at the District Court this morning on firearms and aggravated robbery charges.

Police say they are still seeking two other offenders. The second man at the scene was described as a male Maori, while a third offender was believed to have been waiting in a vehicle nearby.

Detective Sergeant Chris Power says that although nobody was seriously hurt, the incident was extremely serious and potentially volatile, particularly with a young family involved.

The use of a firearm to threaten both the victims and Police officers was of extreme concern to Police, he says.

Investigations into the incident, including a forensic examination at the scene, are continuing today.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Christchurch police on (03) 3637400.

Alternatively, to provide information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.