Man in hospital after being shot in the face

Police at the scene of the alleged shooting. Photo / NZPA

Police in Rotorua are looking for a gun used to shoot a man in the face this morning after what is thought to have been an argument with another man.

The shooting happened at a house in Sunset Rd, Rotorua, about 10am. The armed offenders squad was called in and the area cordoned off.

An argument was believed to have taken place at the house but the circumstances of what happened were not clear, Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Loper said.

There were four adults and three children at the house at the time. One man managed to leave the house and police since found him but not the gun. He was now in custody.

Police are searching an area of bush in the suburb of Pukehangi for the weapon.

"Obviously the fact that a firearm is missing is a concern for us. We are asking all residents in the area to be on the lookout for a firearm or any suspicious package or clothing," he said.

The injured 45-year-old man was taken to Rotorua Hospital with facial injuries and was in a stable condition. He will be taken to Waikato Hospital for specialist treatment.

A scene examination by police and ESR forensic staff will continue tomorrow.

The incident happened near Sunset Primary School, which went into temporary lockdown.

Principal Niels Rasmussen said police told the school pupils should be kept inside their classrooms until the all-clear was given.

- NZPA