A man has been shot dead on Nelson's Branford Park.
A confrontation between two groups of youths at the park, near Nelson city, on Saturday evening has resulted in the death of a 22-year-old Nelson man.
The Nelson Mail says a witness heard screaming and shouting before the shot rang out.
The offender and his three associates then left the area in a white single cab ute.
Detective Inspector John Winter said it's unknown how the two groups came together or the reasons behind the confrontation.
It's understood that a baseball bat had also been used in the fight, and one associate of the deceased had suffered moderate head injuries. He was currently being treated at Nelson Hospital.
The victim's friends are traumatised by the incident. They are currently attempting to contact other relatives.
Detective Winter urged the offenders to make contact with police at the earliest opportunity.
He believes they're still in possession of the shotgun, which made them a high risk for police and the community at large.
Police support staff will arrive in Nelson on Sunday to assist with the scene examination.
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