An armed man is on the run after six police officers searching for him were overcome by toxic fumes from a suspected drug laboratory.
Police were called to the Rotorua suburb of Koutu yesterday after reports of an armed man at a home believed to be occupied by three adults
and three young children.
As police searched the home, six armed offenders squad members were overcome by fumes from a suspected methamphetamine laboratory in the house.
Senior Sergeant Greg Sparrow said the 41-year-old man was on the run.
He was dangerous and should not be approached, Mr Sparrow said.
"We were called there because there was believed to be firearms involved," Mr Sparrow said.
"He's known to us and we'd like to know where he is," he said.
"He's believed to be armed and dangerous."
The six police officers were taken to Rotorua Hospital for observation before being discharged about 9pm last night.
Rotorua police Senior Sergeant Dennis Murphy said the suspected methamphetamine laboratory was found shortly after 3.30pm.
"They were executing the search under the Arms Act to do with a family type situation. While they were searching the house they were affected by the fumes from the chemicals," he said.
Residents returning home found the street cordoned off while chemical laboratory specialists checked out the property.
No weapons were found at the address.
"We are currently questioning members of the family," Mr Murphy said.
- DAILY POST (ROTORUA)
