Arrests after Hutt AOS callout

A rash of firearms incidents in Lower Hutt has led to a crackdown by police and the arrest of two men by Armed Offenders Squad members overnight.

Two Lower Hutt men, one 31 and one 26, threatened the occupants of Waiwhetu house with a firearm.

Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Borrell, of Lower Hutt CIB, said firearms were presented at a number of incidents in Lower Hutt in recent weeks. During the incidents two shots were fired.

"We are very concerned that it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously hurt or worse. Protecting members of our communities who may be innocent bystanders is of the highest priority to us and Police will continue to take whatever action is necessary to ensure that occurs."
 
The two men arrested last night are appearing in the Lower Hutt District Court this afternoon.

Mr Borrell said a shot was fired at a property in Oxford Tce on Tuesday night. The bullet hit the letterbox, however the potential for serious injury was very real, he said.

Police are investigating an earlier incident in Waiwhetu shortly before midnight on August 24, where shots were fired near Cambridge Tce and Hawkins St.

"We have executed numerous early morning search warrants over the last three weeks utilising members of the Armed Offenders Squad and will continue to do so to target those who choose to engage in this type of activity.''

Police are pleading for information from the community that will help them identify people who are in unlawful possession of firearms. Any information would be treated with the utmost confidence.

- © Fairfax NZ News