16 Jul 2010

Two in court after shooting of police officers

5:44 pm on 16 July 2010

Two brothers have appeared in Christchurch District Court following a shooting that left two police officers in hospital.

Christopher Smith, 34, faces two charges of attempted murder.

He is also accused of shooting and wounding Senior Constable Bruce Lamb and Constable Mitchel Alatalo, who entered his house unarmed, as well as killing police dog Gage on Tuesday.

He and Steven Smith also face cannabis-related charges.

Both men were remanded until 28 July, with Christopher Smith in custody.

Court documents reveal that a firearm was used against a third police officer during a brief siege, a scenario police had not previously mentioned.