Police investigating the death of Waikato woman Turipapa Tukere from Ngāruawāhia executed multiple search warrants across Christchurch today.
Police were called to reports of a fight on Waipa Esplanade, near the intersection of Newton Street, around 1:30 pm on Friday, 27 December.
Shortly after, Turipapa Tukere was taken to the ambulance station on Jordan Street in critical condition. Despite the efforts of first responders, she died before she could be airlifted to hospital.
Acting Detective Inspector Andrew Saunders said enquiries have since led investigators to several residential addresses in Christchurch.
As first reported by chrislynchmedia.com Waikato-based officers, supported by Canterbury Police and the Armed Offenders Squad, carried out the search warrants across Christchurch.
Several people were now being interviewed as part of the police investigation into who was involved and what occurred before Tukere’s death.
An eyewitness to one of the raids told chrislynchmedia.com, “Around 7:30 am, my next-door neighbour’s house on Redgrave Street was surrounded by police.
“Huge police presence with paddy wagons, defence force, police cars, ambo etc. I woke up to the sound of sirens and saw armed officers in uniform around our backyard targeting the house. They arrested two men and conducted a thorough raid of the premises and also blocked off the street.
“As the situation deescalated, detectives and police officers continued to inspect their whole home, including cars on their property, with a few still present even now.”
As first reported by chrislynchmedia.com armed police also surrounded a house in Somerfield this morning, drawing significant attention from locals.
Witnesses said police, along with the Armed Offenders Squad, blocked off a section of Barrington Street before entering a residence near the corner of Rose Street.
Police thanked those who have already provided information and urged anyone with further details to come forward.
“We are committed to getting justice for Ms Tukere and her whānau and prosecuting those responsible for her death,” Saunders said.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant information is asked to contact Police via 105, referencing file number 241227/6958.
