Charges laid in Ashburton shooting

Police have laid charges overnight against a 48-year-old man who was apprehended yesterday afternoon in relation to the shootings in Ashburton.

The man will appear in Christchurch District Court this morning on two charges of murder and one of attempted murder.

A major investigation is ongoing and Detective Inspector Tom Fitzgerald says Police have formed a picture of what has occurred yesterday and are appealing for further information and sightings.

Police particularly want to hear urgently from anyone who was in the Ashburton area yesterday between 8am and 5pm and saw someone fitting the following description.

A man described as wearing dark coloured clothing, a rolled up balaclava, dark backpack and riding/pushing a dark mountain bike.

A person fitting that description was seen around the Ashburton New World supermarket and Police ask for anyone with similar sightings to come forward.

Police also appeal for two runners who are believed to have come into contact with the man on the Ashburton River Track yesterday morning to get in touch urgently.

The names of the three victims will only be released once all family members have been fully informed.

Police ask that the privacy of the victim’s families continues to be respected at this very traumatic time.

Police appeal for anyone with information relating to this incident to contact Police in Ashburton on (03) 307 8411.

Information can also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

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