Firearm discharged at luxury hotel in Auckland
Police have confirmed a firearm was discharged at a luxury Auckland hotel yesterday morning, sparking a city-wide response with armed officers.
A person is assisting police with inquiries after a firearm was discharged at the Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour.
The shot was reported shortly after 9am, police have confirmed. No injuries were reported.
“One person located at the scene is currently assisting us with our inquiries and a scene examination is under way,” police said.
Police also attended a property in Orākei, with the police Eagle helicopter involved.
“Two people at that address are also assisting police with our inquiries.
“Police are working hard to establish what exactly has taken place.”
Armed police descended on Auckland’s Viaduct morning after reports of a shot being heard.
Up to 20 police officers carrying guns were seen storming the Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour lobby while customers and staff in the adjoining cafe were bundled out a separate entrance to safety.
At least one person was seen being taken from the hotel by police with the Eagle helicopter hovering overhead throughout.
Police were standing guard with an investigation under way. Shortly after 9am a member of the public had reported hearing gunfire outside the hotel.
Staff inside the hotel were understood to be taking cover as the incident unfolded, while others sheltered during an emergency lockdown.
A witness told Stuff of dramatic scenes with up to 20 officers carrying guns storming the hotel lobby.
Soon after the person saw a man dressed in red being taken from the hotel under police guard.
A nearby business owner described surreal scenes as police poured into the hotel’s lobby while customers in the hotel’s cafe were bundled out the side entrance.
The man, who did not want to be identified, said while he didn’t hear any shots he saw a person being taken from the hotel who appeared to be under arrest.
“We’ve had a lot of police presence, they cleared all the people out of the cafe, and then brought them back in and they arrested one guy and put him in the van.
“It’s a definitely a very edgy environment down here at the moment.”