Gunshots fired at house
Police were called to a Princes St house in the early hours of yesterday morning after a gunman fired shots at the property.
Detective Sergeant Dave Kennelly said officers were called to the house in Strathern at 3.11am.
It is believed three shots were fired at the house, leaving holes and a smashed window.
A neighbour said he was woken by five gunshots in quick succession but didn’t think anything of it until he saw armed police in the morning.
He said he thought the neighbourhood was safe but believed the house that was fired upon did have gang members at it.
A police media spokesman said no-one was injured in the incident and were unable to confirm if it was gang related.
Clutha District Mayor Bryan Cadogan, who was outspoken two months ago saying Southland needed to wake up to its gang and drug problems, said the incident was indicative of the escalations being seen in the province.
‘‘My first thought goes to police who have to go out there, really quite literally, putting their lives on the line.’’
Cadogan said he thought incidents like this were another reason to look at arming police.
‘‘If they are going in with people that have every intention of using a firearm, and we send them in, all they have is a Taser, why should we send them in to that.
‘‘Quite often they have to act instantaneously. They don’t have time to go to the boot. As a society we’ve got to support our team.’’
Kennelly said police would like to reassure the public that it was an isolated incident and they were committed to ensuring everyone in the community feels safe.
Anyone that had information that may assist with the investigation were asked to contact Invercargill police on 03 211 0400 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
In separate incident on Tuesday, a 28-year-old, woman was rushed to hospital in a private vehicle following a stabbing on the same street.
The incident occurred just after 7pm.
The woman was stabbed in the face and her injuries were described as non-life threatening.
It was unclear what caused the woman’s lacerations or what weapon was used.
The incident appeared to have involved people known to each other, police said.
Police inquiries were continuing.