Armed man on the run in Hawkes Bay

Ihaka Paul, 26, currently on the run from police after AOS callout in Hawkes Bay last night. Photo / Supplied

A man is on the run from police after cutting off his electronic bail bracelet and presenting a pistol in Hawkes Bay last night.

Police are currently looking for Ihaka Paul after he made several threats and presented a pistol to family members at a house in Townshend St, Hastings around 6.20pm.

The 26-year-old was already wanted by police for cutting off his electronic bail bracelet and there is a warrant for his arrest.

The Hawkes Bay Armed Offenders Squad searched five houses in Napier and Hastings last night during the search.

Mr Paul is described by Police as a male Maori about 1.7m tall. He has a shaved undercut haircut.

He also has a large facial tattoo across his nose and cheeks, Police said, which could have been added to recently.

Police said Mr Paul is considered dangerous and should not be approached.

It is not known if he is armed with a weapon at this time.

Police are urging anyone who has seen Mr Paul, or if someone knows where he is, to ring 111 immediately.