Ambulance officers abused at shooting scene

Ambulance officers were abused by a gang of youths when they attended the shooting of a 17-year-old in Masterton early today.

Wairarapa Ambulance Services manager Debbie Lodge-Schnelleberg said about 20 young people ran forward and banged on the doors and sides of the ambulance as it waited for police to clear the area in Makora Road.

The teen was shot in the leg during an apparent neighbour dispute about 5am.

He was taken to Hutt Hospital where he was later reported to be in a serious but stable condition.

"The patient and some of the crowd were under the influence of either alcohol or drugs or both," Ms Lodge-Schnelleberg told Radio New Zealand.

She said ambulance services had attended the same patient last weekend when he had an arm injury.

Police were called out at 4.53am after receiving reports of gunfire on Makora Road in Masterton, Acting Senior Sergeant Carolyn Watson said.

"What we do know is that a 17-year-old is being treated in Wairarapa Hospital for a gunshot wound to the leg, and he's had head injuries."

His injuries were not believed to life threatening.

Ms Watson said police were still investigating but it was believed the youth had been shot during a dispute between neighbours.

Police are investigating the incident.

- NZPA