The decision by police to shoot dead an Isis sympathiser, following a knife attack in Auckland today, will be subject of an independent investigation.

Police Commissioner Andrew Coster tonight confirmed the Independent Police Conduct Authority and the Coroner will investigate the shooting.

Six people were injured in the attack. Three people received critical injuries and were taken to Auckland City Hospital. A fourth person is in a serious condition, and a fifth was taken to hospital in a moderate condition. A sixth victim was transported to Waitakere Hospital with moderate injuries.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the man was “a known threat to New Zealand”.

She said the man was a Sri Lankan national who arrived in New Zealand in 2011, but became “a threat” to New Zealand in 2016.

He was inspired by ISIS, Ardern said, and had a violent ideology. 

Police Commissioner Andrew Coster said “Covert Police Specialist Tactics Group (STG) staff, who had been surveilling and following the man as closely as possible without detection, immediately responded to the attack (within around 60 seconds). 

“The Police staff challenged the man and diverted his attention. He charged at them with the knife and the officers shot him. He died at the scene shortly afterwards.”

He said “police are not seeking anyone else in relation to this event and we are confident this man acted alone.”

“The attacker was under constant surveillance and was today observed leaving his Glen Eden property and travelling to the supermarket, as he had done previously without incident.”

“Our Police staff acted quickly and with great courage to stop this man and prevent any further harm to members of the public. I want to acknowledge this quick response and the bravery of the Police staff who responded. I also want to acknowledge all the people who offered assistance at the scene.”

The scene is currently locked down and will be the subject of an extensive scene examination.

Anyone who witnessed the incident and who has not spoken to Police is asked to contact Police on 105 quoting OPERATION RALLY.

Police would like anyone with photos or video of today’s incident to submit this to our investigation. An online portal has been set up and people can access this at https://rally.nzpolice.org