Police hunt paintball shooters

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Police say more should be known tomorrow about the condition of an Australian tourist who was hit in a eye by a paintball while cycling.

Graham Smith initially thought he'd been hit by a bird while cycling on State Highway 7A on Friday evening.

They suspect a group of youths, aged anywhere between driving age and 25, were acting recklessly and didn't realise the gravity of what they were doing.

But police believe the shooting was intentional.

They're looking for a white or light-coloured van that it's believed the paintball gun was fired from.

Senior Constable Chris Hughey says Mr Smith remains in Christchurch Hospital and there is optimism his sight will return to normal.

Police are still making enquiries about the van.