One person has died - and another has critical injuries - as police launch a homicide investigation in Wellington’s Lower Hutt.

Police officers earlier converged on a property on George St, Stokes Valley, with the Herald being told it involved a shooting at the property in the early hours of this morning.

Police have erected a blue tent near a house.

Detective Inspector Haley Ryan said police teams were called to a home on George St at 2.05am.

“Upon arriving at the address, officers located one man, who sadly died at the scene, and a second injured man a short distance away,” Ryan said.

“The surviving victim was transported to hospital, where they have undergone surgery for life-threatening injuries.”

One person is dead, and another suffered critical injuries, in a shooting in Stokes Valley, Lower Hutt, in the early hours of this morning. Photo / NZ Herald

A “heightened” police presence is now in the area, while officers also carry out a scene examination.

“Investigators are working to piece together the events that led to this tragic event, and have been speaking with residents in the street and carrying out a scene examination of the property,” Haley said.

Police are keen to talk to anyone with information that could assist their inquiries, especially anyone with CCTV within Stokes Valley and Eastern Hutt Rd.

“We understand this event will be particularly distressing for members of the community, and police will have an increased presence in the area over the coming days,” Haley said.

A tent to protect potential evidence is set up over the scene where one person was killed, and another suffered critical injuries, in a shooting in Stokes Valley, Lower Hutt, in the early hours of this morning. Photo / NZ Herald

Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry said an incident like this was incredibly unsettling for close-knit communities like Stokes Valley.

“I know police will be increasing their presence to provide reassurance to the community over the coming days.

”If anyone has information that could assist, please get in touch with police.”

A dozen people were gathered at the cordon this afternoon, some putting their arms around one another for comfort.

There is heavy rain in Stokes Valley and police have put up a tent outside the property as they carry out their investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police by phoning 105, or visiting 105.police.govt.nz – and using “update report”, with the file reference number 231216/6245.

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.