Police blame hunters after bullet fired through Hawke's Bay family's home as they sat in lounge

Police said their investigation has not determined who was responsible, but they are satisfied it was not intentional. Photo / File

Police say a Hawke's Bay family are "extremely lucky" a bullet, likely a wayward gunshot, didn't strike them when it flew into their family home.

The family were sitting in their lounge in Puketitiri at 6.45pm on April 21 when they heard a loud bang, Eastern District Police said on Wednesday.

After investigating, they found a bullet from a rifle had entered an exterior wall and become lodged in an internal wall.

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Police said it was "likely wayward shot from a hunter's firearm".

"It is extremely lucky no one inside the house was passing through the area at that time or we could have been dealing with an injury or worse."

Police said their investigation has not determined who was responsible, but they are satisfied it was not intentional.

Anyone who has information can call 105 and quote file number 210407/7674.

Police said they remind hunters to always point guns in a safe direction and identify the target and what is beyond it.

A neighbour of the Puketitiri family, who did not want to be named, said poaching had been an issue in the area in the past, including the week before the stray shot incident.

"They are prolific up here at the moment," they said.

"It's quite unnerving."

Hawke's Bay Police also issued a reminder about the Seven Basic Firearms Safety Rules:

1. Treat every firearm as loaded
2. Always point firearms in a safe direction
3. Load a firearm only when ready to fire
4. Identify your target beyond all doubt
5. Check your firing zone
6. Store firearms and ammunition safely
7. Avoid alcohol and drugs when handling firearms