Lower Hutt Mother Traumatised After Late-Night Shooting Targets New Home
Lower Hutt, NZ – A Lower Hutt mother is reeling from a terrifying late-night shooting incident that struck her new home on Cambridge Terrace in Naenae, leaving her and her daughter shaken.Ashleigh Clarke, who had only moved into the Kāinga Ora property ten days prior, described hearing two loud bangs around 9:30 pm on Saturday. Initially dismissing the sounds as a break-in, Clarke’s shock turned to horror when she discovered a bullet had penetrated her kitchen window and lodged in a cabinet, with a second projectile embedded in the window frame.
Clarke, who relocated from a property where she had lived without incident for 14 years, believes the shooting may be linked to previous tenants’ alleged gang affiliations. She emphatically stated that neither she nor her family have any such connections. “I don’t know why the hell someone would want to risk shooting me or my house and risk endangering the lives of my kids. It’s a really scary thing,” Clarke told 1News.
Police confirmed they responded to reports of a firearm being discharged towards the residence. While no one inside sustained physical injuries, occupants were understandably distressed. A scene examination has been completed, and investigations to identify and apprehend those responsible are ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact police on 105.
