Two shot lifeless in New Zealand hours earlier than Women’s World Cup kicks off

Two folks have been killed in a capturing in Auckland, New Zealand, simply hours earlier than the FIFA Women’s World Cup kicks off within the metropolis.

Police mentioned the gunman, 24, additionally died following the rampage at a development web site, near a resort the place members of Norway’s workforce have been staying.

Officers mentioned the person opened fireplace with a pump-action shotgun at round 7.20am and made his method via a constructing on the positioning, till he was cornered by police in an elevator shaft on its higher flooring.

It was unclear if he was shot by police or killed himself.

Officials mentioned no less than six folks have been additionally injured, together with a police officer who was rushed to hospital in a crucial situation however is now mentioned to be secure.

Norway captain Maren Mjelde mentioned folks have been woken by the sound of a helicopter hovering exterior the workforce’s resort.

She mentioned: “We felt protected the entire 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 normal for the game tonight.”

New Zealand’s Prime Minster Chris Hipkins mentioned there was “no wider security threat” and vowed that the match would go forward as deliberate.

He informed reporters: “Clearly with the FIFA World Cup kicking off this evening, there are a lot of eyes on Auckland.

“The authorities has spoken to FIFA organizers this morning and the match will proceed as deliberate. I need to reiterate that there is no such thing as a wider nationwide safety risk. This seems to be the motion of 1 particular person.”

Acting Police Superintendent Sunny Patel mentioned: “Upon reaching the upper levels of the building, the male has contained himself within the elevator shaft and our staff have attempted to engage with him.

“Further photographs have been fired from the male and he was situated deceased a short while later.”

Police also described the shooting as “remoted”.

An investigation into what occurred has been launched.

It comes as New Zealand and Norway are set to open the tournament on Thursday at Auckland’s Eden Park stadium.

Officials mentioned safety could be elevated on the venue following the capturing.

The match kicks off at 7pm native time, which is 8am UK time.

The month-long, 32-team match is being co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia, which is able to host the ultimate on 20 August.