More details have emerged about the victim of the shooting at a church in South Auckland

Police were called to the Papatoetoe Seventh-day Adventist Community Church this morning, after a person was shot dead just as a Christmas service was about to start.

Our newsroom understands the victim was notorious Mongrel Mob gang member Daniel Eliu.

He had an extensive criminal past, and was also linked to the Head Hunters.

Police are looking at CCTV footage and taking statements from witnesses.