Appeal to identify cyclist shot with BB gun

Police are trying to track down a cyclist believed to have been shot by a BB gun fired from a passing vehicle.

An investigation is underway after a number of people were allegedly shot at with a BB gun from a vehicle travelling between National Park and Turangi.

In a statement, police said they were aware of four incidents at this stage with at least one person confirmed as injured.

All of the known incidents happened between 5pm and 6.30pm yesterday as the vehicle travelled along State Highway 47.

The vehicle alleged to have been involved was an old looking, dark grey Nissan hatchback with no hubcaps and four male occupants.

The first report came from a woman who said she had a pellet strike the windscreen of her car.

She was then approached by a cyclist who said he had been shot in the hip, but police are yet to identify or locate that cyclist. He is asked to make contact with police.

Taupo police want anyone else with information relevant to this investigation to contact them on (07) 378 6060.

Information can also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

A 19-year-old Turangi man has been charged with assaulting a person with a firearm or airgun and will appear at Taupo District Court next Wednesday.