A mum running an everyday errand has described the terrifying moment she heard gunshots, before seeing two men lying on the ground surrounded by armed police pointing their weapons at them.  

A person was shot, two more taken into police custody and a firearm seized after a violent disorder incident involving a large number of people in the West Auckland suburb of Glen Eden about 8pm last night. 

The injured person was taken to Auckland City Hospital in a serious condition “with a serious injury consistent with a gunshot wound”, acting Detective Senior Sergeant Matt Bartlett said this morning. 

The mother, who asked not to be named, was withdrawing cash from the BNZ money machine on West Coast Rd when she heard a commotion, including a woman yelling, before hearing three gunshots and then the woman yelling again. 

“I heard one shot, then a pause, then another, followed by another shot. I looked at my son and yelled out, ‘Call the police, I think someone got shot’. I was shocked - I had to pause myself thinking, ‘S***, did I just say that?’” 

Police at the scene outside Westlight Apartments in Glen Eden last night. One person was shot and two others arrested in the violent disorder incident. Photo / Hayden Woodward 

Her son, who had been in their vehicle at the RSA carpark, told his mum she “watched too much movies”, but within minutes the pair saw police “zooming past” and after driving to a nearby service station hey could see the shots had also attracted the attention of residents at Westlight Apartments on nearby Waikumete Rd. 

“We could only see people looking out of their balcony to see where the yelling and shooting noises were coming from. 

“Then I drove across the train tracks at the lights to see police cars blocking the street on my right. Two guys with their hands on their back [were] lying in the middle of the street ... [with] cops surrounding them with guns pointed directly at them, so I did a U-turn and went home.” 

Police went to Waikumete Rd about 8pm after reports of a disorder incident involving a large group of people and a firearm, Bartlett said. 

“The firearm has been discharged immediately following the disorder and one person was transported to Auckland City Hospital with a serious injury consistent with a gunshot wound.” 

Two men aged 23 and 27 were also taken into custody, and a firearm seized, after responding police identified a vehicle of interest believed to be used by the offenders, Bartlett said. 

“They are due to appear in the Waitakere District Court today, facing charges of committing a dangerous act with intent to cause grievous bodily harm with a firearm, and accessory after the fact to a dangerous act with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, respectively. 

“Further charges are being considered and inquiries to piece together what occurred remain ongoing.” 

Police examine the scene in Waikumete Rd in Glen Eden after a person was shot and two more arrested in a violent disorder incident involving a large number of people. Photo / Hayden Woodward 

Police know people videoed the earlier incident and asked for that footage to be shared with them to help their inquiries, Bartlett said. 

“We understand this may have been a distressing incident for anyone who witnessed it. 

“Police are committed to holding offenders to account, especially those who put the lives of others at risk.” 

Video footage or information that may help the investigation can be shared with police by calling 105 and quoting the reference file number: 240726/5258 

Cherie Howie is an Auckland-based reporter who joined the Herald in 2011. She has been a journalist for more than 20 years and specialises in general news and features.