Two people have been killed in a shooting in Auckland, New Zealand, hours before the start of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in the city.
The gunman was also killed after a scuffle at a construction site, near a hotel where members of the Norwegian team were staying, police said.
The man opened fire around 7.20am and made his way through a building, until police cornered him in an elevator shaft on the top floor, officers said.
It was not clear whether he was shot by police or killed himself.
“Multiple injuries” were also reported.
Norway captain Marin Majalde said people were woken up by the sound of a helicopter hovering outside the team hotel.
He said: “We felt safe the whole time.
“FIFA has a good security system at the hotel, and we have our own security officer in the squad. Everyone seems calm and we are preparing as usual for tonight’s game.”
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hopkins said there was “no wider security threat” and vowed the tournament would go ahead as planned.
He told reporters: “Obviously with the FIFA World Cup starting this evening, there are a lot of eyes on Auckland.
“The government has spoken to FIFA organizers this morning and the tournament will go ahead as planned. I want to reiterate that there is no widespread threat to national security. This appears to be the act of an individual.”
Acting Superintendent of Police Sunny Patel said: “On reaching the top level of the building, the male barricaded himself in the lift shaft and our staff attempted to engage him.
“Further shots were fired by the male and he was found dead a short time later.”
Police also described the shooting as “isolated”.
An investigation has been launched into what happened.
It comes like this. New Zealand And ready for Norway. Open the tournament Thursday at Eden Park Stadium in Auckland.
The match will start at 7pm local time which is 8am UK time.
Source by [Sky News]
