Police respond to alleged shooting

Reports of a shooting in Matua sparked a large police response. Photo / Andrew Warner

A man who claimed to have been shot at while walking his dog in Matua sparked a large-scale police search yesterday.

Tauranga police Senior Sergeant Shannon Clifford said police responded to the report from a man who had been walking his dog in Fergusson Park about 2pm. "A man reported a black object pointed out the window of a car and a bang was heard," he said.

Mr Clifford said it was described as a long-barrelled firearm, possibly a rifle.

"It was a black object so it could be anything."

Police cars were seen searching the area around Tilby Drive and Warrington St while another car was stationed at the corner of Otumoetai and Levers Rds.

"We've had no other reports and we haven't located anything at this point in time," Mr Clifford said. "There's no evidence that a gun was fired."

The car was described as a black four-door vehicle, he said.

Tony Climo, owner of Tilby Drive

fish and chip shop Hooked On, said police had come into the store to ask if he had seen anything.

"The cops came in saying there was a guy wandering around the shops here with a shotgun and apparently 40 minutes ago he fired it," he said. "We didn't hear anything. I certainly didn't see anyone."

Mr Clifford asked that anyone with any information about the event contact the Tauranga police on (07) 577 4300 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.