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Man, 24, is charged with murder after fatal cop shooting

A man has been charged with murder after the fatal shooting of a police officer in New Zealand.

On Friday, two officers attending a routine traffic stop in the west Auckland suburb of Massey were confronted by a man with a long-barrelled firearm, who shot both of them according to police.

One later died in Auckland hospital. The other is still recovering with serious injuries but in a stable condition.

A 24-year old has been charged with murder, attempted murder and dangerous driving causing injury.

He will appear before the Waitakere District Court on Saturday.

Police are unable to rule out the possibility of other people being charged.

Police officers cordon off an area after the fatal shooting. Source: AFP
Police officers cordon off an area after the fatal shooting. Source: AFP

Earlier on Friday, Police Commissioner Andrew Coster announced the death and that officers had detained two people of interest.

"This was a fast moving, unpredictable and tragic event," Mr Coster said.

Both Mr Coster and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the death was devastating.

"To lose a police officer is to lose someone working for all of us, but also a family member, someone's loved one and friend. My condolences go to them and to their police whanau," Ms Ardern said, using the Maori word for family.

Superintendent Naila Hassan said the officer, whose identity had not been made public, had not been in the force for long.

The offender also struck a member of the public in his vehicle, seriously injuring them.

Massey resident Elaine Taniela told the NZ Herald she heard gunshots from her home, and a friend "saw a cop on the ground. He looked like he was having a seizure".

Officer at the scene of the shooting in a residential neighbourhood in Auckland. Source: AFP
Officer at the scene of the shooting in a residential neighbourhood in Auckland. Source: AFP

Police put cordons in place, locked down schools and raided a property in nearby West Harbour during their large-scale operation.

Mr Coster said the officers identified a "vehicle of interest" and pursued it with sirens and lights, only to lose track.

That vehicle was located a short time later, crashed on Reynella Drive.

As police approached, a man climbed out and opened fire.

The offender fled with another person in a second vehicle, which was also later abandoned.

"We have located a firearm of interest and we are following strong lines of inquiry," Mr Coster said.

"A general arming order remains in place across Auckland and will remain so until we are confident that it is no longer required."

An officer stands on guard with his gun drawn. Source: AFP
An officer stands on guard with his gun drawn. Source: AFP

The officer's death is the first in New Zealand since the murder of Senior Constable Len Snee in a 2009 siege in Napier involving more than 100 police.

Since the force's founding in 1890, 22 officers have been killed on duty.

The death comes after a nationwide debate as to whether New Zealand should arm its police officers.

An unpopular trial of armed officers in three regions with high gun violence and offences recently concluded, generating enormous community backlash.

Mr Coster announced earlier this month he would not be seeking the general arming of officers.

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