Paintball gun attacks: Man arrested

A man has been arrested after a spree of random paintball gun attacks from a car in Christchurch over the weekend.

One cyclist, at least three pedestrians and numerous bus shelters were hit by paintball pellets from a black sedan in Riccarton on Friday night and early Saturday morning.

Police said a 22-year-old man has been charged with reckless discharge of a firearm and would appear in Christchurch District Court on Thursday.

The car used in the attacks had been located and three paintball guns had been recovered.

Inspector Derek Erasmus said inquiries were continuing and further charges were expected to be laid.

He said police would like to hear from anyone who was targeted from a black sedan or who witnessed its occupants fire on pedestrians and cyclists in the Riccarton Rd and Lincoln Rd areas.

"This is a serious incident and we are fortunate that no one was hurt as a result of this reckless behaviour.

"At this stage we know of four victims plus seven bus shelters which were damaged. However it is quite possible that there are further victims out there who have not yet spoken to police, or damage which is yet to be reported."

Mr Erasmus said police knew the vehicle had been driving around the city for a considerable time on Friday night and early Saturday morning.

"Although we have located the vehicle and are speaking to the occupants we need the public's help to build a full picture of where it went and what the occupants were doing.

"If you were targeted and have not yet contacted police, or saw this black sedan acting suspiciously that night, then please get in touch with us."