Police appeal for witnesses after Whakatane shootings

A man with ties to the Out Back Blacks gang has been charged after shots were fired during a heated funeral procession in Whakatane yesterday.

The 21-year-old man will face a charge of possession of an offensive weapon when he appears in Whakatane Distrcit Court on January 24.

Police said in a statement this morning they would like to speak to anyone who has footage of the gang funeral procession, which travelled from Kawerau to Whakatane yesterday afternoon.

The group of Mongrel Mob gang members involved in the motorcade moved on from the crematorium without incident, police said.

However, police were making ongoing enquiries after shots were fired about 2:15pm near the corner of Valley and Arawa Roads, Whakatane. Police were currently speaking to a number of people.

If anyone has information which may help Police in their investigation we encourage them to contact Whakatane Police on 07 308 5255.

Alternatively, if people wish to remain anonymous they contact Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police said they believe there were no ongoing concerns following this incident.