Shotgun owner wanted

Police are searching for the owner of a distinctive shotgun used in a serious assault on a Northland man.

Detectives investigating the assault in Onerahi earlier this month have arrested a 23-year-old man who has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and unlawful possession of a firearm.

A 23-year-old woman also faces a charge of assault with a weapon.

And while police have recovered the shotgun used in the assault they are now seeking help from members of the public to identify where the firearm has come from.

Detective Aaron Crawford said the the shotgun was distinctive and someone would know who owned it.

"So far we have had great assistance from the public with this investigation and I would ask the owner of this firearm to come forward and help us out," Mr Crawford said.

He also stressed if any member of the public had information on the use or possession of stolen firearms in Northland, it was imperative they contacted police and passed on this information.

"We need to get these guns off the street and out of the hands of people who will use them in committing crime," Mr Crawford said.

"There will be people in our community who can directly help us with this, I believe that they have a moral obligation to come forward to prevent anyone else from being hurt."

Anyone with information can contact Mr Crawford at Whangarei police station on 09 430 4500 or anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.