Armed police cordon Dunedin address over vehicle link to Christchurch shootings

Friday, 15 March 2019

Armed police have cordoned off a Dunedin street and evacuated properties as they investigate a potential connection with the Christchurch mosque shootings.

Somerville St, in the quiet suburb of Anderson's Bay, remains cordoned off after armed police entered the area about 5pm on Friday.

A large number of detectives were concentrating on a property about 200 metres from the cordon.

Police have entered a house on Somerville St, Dunedin.

It is understood police spoke to a man, described by a resident as a 'skinhead'. It is unclear if he was taken into custody.

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In a statement released late Friday, police said the location was 'of interest' in relation to the terrorist attack at two Christchurch mosques earlier in the day.

'Evacuations of properties in the immediate area have taken place as a precaution.

'Alternative accommodation has been provided for residents requiring it and cordons are in place in the Somerville Street and Everton Road area.'

Other residents were told to stay indoors, while police were in the area.

It is understood the property is has a connection with the vehicle rammed by police on Brougham St in Christchurch, where a man allegedly linked to the shootings was arrested.

The vehicle, a subaru, was purchased at a Dunedin car yard.

Armed offenders squad members also entered Dunedin's Al Huda Mosque, in the student quarter just before 5pm.

The mosque is understood to have been a place of interest for the alleged gunman now in police custody.

The mosque has since been ordered to close by police.

Meanwhile, the University of Otago confirmed Saturday's street parade to mark its 150th anniversary has been postponed.

Dunedin Mayor David Cull said he was 'deeply shocked at the horrific events in Christchurch'.

'My thoughts are very much with the Muslim community in Christchurch, Dunedin and throughout New Zealand.'

He said the city had welcomed many Syrian families – former refugees – and 'many of these people have come to Dunedin and other parts of New Zealand for sanctuary from atrocities in their countries of origin'.