Two people were taken into custody after a firearm was discharged at a Work and Income service centre in Masterton this Monday afternoon.
The incident occurred around 12.40pm at the Lincoln Road office. Police responded after receiving a report that a firearm had been fired at another person. No injuries were reported.
“A second person was located a short time later nearby and was taken into custody,” a Police spokesperson said. “Police believe this is an isolated incident and there is no wider risk to the public.”
Cordons were put in place, and some Police staff were armed as a precaution. An increased police presence remains in the area while investigations continue.
The Work and Income office was immediately closed and is scheduled to reopen at 10.30am on Tuesday. Ministry of Social Development regional commissioner for the central region, Darlene Rastrick, confirmed the event involved clients and a firearm.
“We know this would have been extremely distressing for those at the service centre when this took place. The safety of both our staff and our clients is our top priority,” Rastrick said.
She thanked Police for their prompt action and confirmed that the ministry continued to contact clients by phone and would reschedule missed appointments.