Investigation underway into fatal shooting

An investigation has begun into the fatal shooting of a man by police in a rural area south of Napier early this morning.

Eastern District Commander Superintendent Sam Hoyle said a Napier night shift patrol was working in Wordsworth Cres, Maraenui, just after 1.30am today when they noticed a male acting suspiciously near a vehicle parked on the street.

As the officers approached in the police car, the male presented a firearm directly at the officers who immediately retreated. The offender drove from the street and was followed to Fernhill on the outskirts of Napier by several police cars.

On Taihape Rd, near the intersection with Korokipo Rd, the man abruptly stopped and got out of his car. He again presented the firearm at police and was shot by an officer.

Mr Hoyle said inquiries into the shooting were at a "very early" stage and police were currently speaking to the officers involved in the incident to determine details of how the shooting transpired.

"We do know that one police officer fired shots at the man with a Glock pistol. The officers at the scene immediately attempted first aid on him. He was taken to Hawke's Bay Regional Hospital by ambulance, but died there around 3am today."

Police are currently trying to identify the man and contact his family.

Several investigations have begun into the shooting, including an IPCA and homicide investigation. This will be headed by a senior officer from outside the Eastern district.

Mr Hoyle said as part of the investigation into the incident police would be trying to ascertain why the dead man was in a suburban Napier street in the early hours of the morning armed with a firearm.

"There are many questions we don't have the answers to at the moment and things will become clearer in due course."

A post mortem will be held today to confirm the man's cause of death. A forensic examination of the scene is underway. Police are currently trying to identify the man and contact his family.