Police responding to reports of a possible firearm sighted on East Street in Petone have taken three people into custody.

Emergency services were called around 7.20am to the Lower Hutt suburb, and armed police were quickly deployed as a matter of precaution.

Roads from East Street to Waione Street were closed in the area to ensure safety during the incident but are open now with cordons and diversions removed.

Police will continue to investigate the matter.

Appropriate charges are being considered.

Attribute to Detective Inspector Stephen Ambler, Field Crime Manager:

Police are investigating the deaths of two people in Hamilton East this evening.

Police were notified around 4pm after two people were found deceased at an address on York Street.

Enquiries into what exactly has occurred at the address are ongoing, however at this stage the deaths are being treated as unexplained.

Cordons remain in place at York Street while Police carry out a scene examination and a scene guard will remain in place overnight.

Police are urging sports and community clubs across Hawke’s Bay to be vigilant following a number of burglaries targeting club premises.

Since February, Police have investigated nine burglaries at clubs across the region, with offenders causing damage and stealing items including cash, alcohol, and equipment.

While enquiries into these incidents are ongoing, Police are reminding clubs and community organisations to take proactive steps to reduce the risk of becoming a target.

Here are some ways to keep your premises safe:

An offender who fled Northland Police in a stolen vehicle was located drenched, defiant and in possession of methamphetamine yesterday.

At around 1pm, an officer in Kaeo sighted a vehicle reported stolen following a burglary.

Mid/Far North Area Prevention Manager, Senior Sergeant Clem Armstrong, says the driver saw Police and took off.

“The driver fled but was not pursued.”

A short time later, the vehicle was sighted on Waiare Road, Kaeo. The vehicle was then abandoned, and a man was seen running into the bush.

Police want to thank Southland locals and visitors for excellent behaviour on the roads and at events over the Waitangi weekend.

“We’re pleased to say there have been no real issues throughout the Burt Munro event, which is outstanding,” says Southland Area Commander, Inspector Mike Bowman.

“We want to thank our community and people that travelled to Southland for playing their part in keeping our roads safe.”

As the weekend comes to an end, Police are reminding people to take their time and drive to the conditions.

One person has died after a single-motorcycle crash on Horseshoe Bush Road, Dairy Flat, early this morning.

Emergency services were called to the scene about 1.30am.

Sadly, the sole rider died at the scene.

The scene has been examined by the Serious Crash Unit and the road has now reopened.

The death will be referred to the Coroner.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

One person has died following a water related incident in Thames.

Emergency services were called to Tararu Road just before midday.

The person was pulled from the water unresponsive, and despite emergency medical treatment they died at the scene.

The death will be referred to the Coroner.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Please attribute to Detective Sergeant Ryan Kemsley of Hawke’s Bay Crime Squad:

An investigation has been launched into the water-related death of a five-year-old boy who went missing in Napier’s Westshore area sometime between the hours of 6.00 and 8.30pm on Thursday night 5 February.

The boy was located deceased in the water at 1.30am, this morning [6 February] by emergency services.