Armed man shot dead near Sylvia Park mall

A critical investigation has been launched after a terrifying ordeal at Auckland’s Sylvia Park shopping centre, which left one man dead.

Police say they received reports of a long-barrel air rifle being stolen from Gun City in Penrose, around 2pm yesterday afternoon.

The offender - who was on bail at the time - fled in a Suzuki Swift, which was spotted by the Police Eagle helicopter driving near Sylvia Park.

It was monitored driving into the Pakuranga Plaza car park, before speeding off onto the highway where it drove erratically towards Panmure.

Police deployed road spikes, and it eventually became stranded at an intersection outside Sylvia Park Shopping Centre.

Superintendent Sunny Patel says the offender fled on foot, while still carrying the rifle.

“Units have pursued the offender as he headed towards an entrance into the shopping centre.”

“Whilst still in possession of the air-rifle, he has been confronted underneath an overpass where he has been shot by Police.”

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Superintendent Patel says they do not know what his intent would have been.

“These events have unfolded very quickly in a busy area, with people shopping at the mall and the afternoon rush hour getting underway.”

Superintendent Patel stresses this is separate to the harrowing incident in Epsom last week.

“Two different types of events that have taken place.. Totally different types. This was a fast moving event that took place and they are two totally separate incidents”.

He says support is in place for the officer concerned - who fired the fatal shot.

“Our staff work very very hard on a daily basis to make sure the community is safe and this is the last thing they want to experience”.

“Someone entering a public place with a firearm is of concern to anyone, not just police”.

Police are appealing for anyone with mobile footage or other information, to come forward.