Gisborne incident: Two dead, three critically injured after 100 people ...

Police cordon at corner of Birrell St and Manuka St, Gisborne. Photo / Scarlett Cvitanovich

Family members have gathered at the scene of a double homicide in Gisborne where 100 people took part in a mass brawl last night.

The bodies of the two men remained at the site on Lytton Rd, in the suburb of Elgin, as police examinations continued.

A tent has been set up where the bodies lie, and a large police presence is managing a cordon on the street.

Extra police officers are being brought in from outside Gisborne after the brawl, which also left three people in a critical condition.

Armed Offenders Squad and Criminal Investigative Branch (CIB) officers have arrived from Hawke’s Bay to assist with the investigation.

Police said this morning they had launched a homicide investigation after disorder broke out on Lytton Rd around 11.30pm, near the intersection with Birrell St.

“A number of Police units were needed to gain control of the scene, and during this time two men were located deceased,” said Tairāwhiti Area Commander acting Inspector Danny Kirk.

Three others were transported to Gisborne Hospital in a critical condition.

Gisborne Hospital was in lockdown after the incident, and armed police were guarding the doors.

Police said cordons remained in place on Lytton Rd and a scene examination was being carried out this morning.

“We know that events like this are incredibly concerning for our community,” Kirk said.

“Police will have a highly visible presence across Gisborne over the coming days, and additional patrols will be carried out to provide reassurance to members of the community.

“Additional Police staff are working to assist with that effort.”

Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz told RNZ she had heard the brawl was a party gone wrong.

“It’s heartbreaking for our community and it’s heartbreaking for the families of the men involved.

“I know that our community will feel this. It doesn’t matter what happened, families are affected and there are families mourning this morning.

“Our thoughts are with them and our thoughts are also with our police who have to deal with this and keep our community safe.”

The brawl took place in an area with a large number of Kāinga Ora homes, though the state housing provider said it did not occur at one of its properties.

- additional reporting Murray Robertson, Gisborne Herald