23 Oct 2017

Shooting victim was 'a happy person'

8:31 pm on 23 October 2017

A friend of the Greymouth mother-of-three who was shot dead at her home on Sunday afternoon says she is still in shock.

Police believe Hayley Williams was shot dead at a house on Marsden Road in the town.

Police believe Hayley Williams was shot dead at a house on Marsden Road in the town. Photo: RNZ / Maja Burry

A 43-year-old woman, who police believe to be Hayley Williams, of Greymouth, was shot dead at a house on Marsden Road in the town at about 4pm on Sunday.

On Monday, West Coast area commander Inspector Mel Aitken said children were at the house when the mother-of-three was shot dead.

One of the victim's friends, Tessa Gardner, said Ms Williams was a happy person and a solo mum to three boys. She said she did the best she could for her children and the boys had everything that they needed.

West Coast police arrested a man, 45, on Old Christchurch Road near Arahura Marae, north of Hokitika, about 3pm on Sunday. Police said they have not found any weapon.

Area commander Inspector Mel Aitken said several children, including some of Ms Williams' children, were at the Marsden Road property when the shooting occurred.

Police at the scene in Greymouth.

Police at the scene in Greymouth. Photo: RNZ / Maja Burry

The arrest was peaceful and police were not looking for anyone else in relation to the shooting. She said the wider Greymouth community was shocked and the children were being supported by police.

A Marsden Road neighbour, who did not want to be named, said he was home on Sunday when he heard a loud bang. He said the street was usually quiet and safe but since the shooting residents were locking their doors while they were home.

"I just heard this huge noise, I sort of knew what it was and then I heard the car revving up ... and it just sped straight past," the neighbour said.

Police also said there was no domestic relationship between Ms Williams and the arrested man, but they were known to each other.

"People living near the scene of the shooting on Marsden Rd should expect to continue to see the presence of investigators over the next seven days. West Coast police are grateful to the public for helping us," a police statement said.

West Coast area commander Inspector Mel Aitken.

West Coast area commander Inspector Mel Aitken. Photo: RNZ / Maja Burry

Earlier, police found an associate of the shooter and he was helping officers with their inquiries, Inspector Mel Aitken said.

Officers also found the car the suspect was believed to have used when leaving the Greymouth house after the shooting.

Ms Aitken said the shooting had "understandably upset many people in our community".

"Police are doing everything we can to support the family during this difficult time."