Police Shooting in Bryndwr Leaves One Dead, Another Critical

A police incident in Bryndwr has resulted in the death of a woman and left a man in critical condition following a family harm report. The event unfolded around 23:00 on July 12, 2023, at a Kāinga Ora property on Clyde Road. Police were dispatched to the scene after receiving a call regarding a domestic disturbance.

According to authorities, the man exited the residence armed with a hunting knife. Officers responded by firing at him, which led to the woman picking up the weapon and advancing towards the police. A second shot was fired, striking the woman, who later succumbed to her injuries.

Canterbury District Commander Superintendent Tony Hill confirmed that the man underwent surgery on the afternoon of July 13, 2023. The police are continuing to conduct a scene examination, and a post-mortem examination of the woman is expected in the coming days.

Hill stated, “Incidents such as this are complex and a range of investigations are already under way. As such, we are limited in the detail we can provide at this stage.” He noted that police are offering support to the families of both the deceased woman and the injured man, as well as to the officers involved in the incident.

In light of the shooting, the matter has been referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority, which oversees police accountability. Hill emphasized the importance of welfare and support for officers involved in critical incidents, particularly those resulting in fatalities.

Police cordons and a scene guard will remain in effect at the property as investigations continue. The tragic event has raised significant concerns within the community regarding police response to domestic violence situations and the protocols in place to ensure the safety of all individuals involved.