Police investigate shooting death

Counties-Manukau Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of an 18 yr old youth who died at a Manurewa address last night after being shot with an airgun.

Police understand that a group of five youths were at the address and had been playing with an air rifle and an air pistol as well as drinking alcohol.

The youth was administered medical treatment at the scene with the assistance of neighbours before being taken to Middlemore Hospital where he died shortly after arrival.

At this stage there in no indication that the shooting was a deliberate act however the exact circumstances around how the 18 year old was shot, will be subject to a thorough investigation by Police. The investigation will determine whether anyone will face charges as a result of the death.

Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the shooting and have recovered both weapons from the scene.

Detective Inspector Dave Lynch says that airguns are powerful weapons that have potential to kill or seriously injure. They need to be handled in the same manner as firearms and certainly not used by anyone under the influence of alcohol.

This tragedy should serve as a painful reminder that these weapons are not toys and need to be used in a controlled environment by responsible people with appropriate target awareness and knowledge of their power.

The dead youth will undergo a Post-mortem examination today and Police will release his name tomorrow.