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A Bay of Plenty house fire is believed to be connected to an earlier shooting that critically injured a person, police say.
Police went to a Te Tawa Rd address in Rūātoki after reports of gunshots following a gang-related disorder about 4.20pm on Saturday.
One person was flown to href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/topic/waikato-dhb/" target="_blank">Waikato Hospital with “injuries consistent with a gunshot wound” where he remained in a critical condition.
Around 8pm, police say they went to a Howell Rd address in Tāneatua where shots were allegedly fired and a property set alight.
Fire crews from Tāneatua, Edgecumbe, Whakatāne, Kawerau and Ōhope were sent to the scene and the fire was extinguished by 9pm.
The alleged offenders left the scene before police arrived. Police believed the arson and earlier firearms incident were connected.
No injuries were reported from the fire.
Police said they would like to reassure the community there was not believed to be any threat to public safety and they believed these incidents involved a specific group of people.
If you witnessed the incident or have any information that may help police in their investigation that you have not yet reported update online now or call 105. Please use the reference number 241013/9006.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
A 44-year-old male was arrested and appeared in the Whakatane District Court on Monday charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm in relation to the earlier incident.
