Area cordoned off in search for gunman

Police are looking for Colin Rangi Robyn Kiriona. Photo / NZPA/NZ Police

Police hunting an armed gang member after a violent domestic attack have cordoned off an area in east Hamilton.

The hunt for fugitive Colin Rangi Robyn Kiriona, 25, began when a woman held against her will fled a house in suburban Nawton and raised the alarm at about 8.30pm on Wednesday.

Waikato Police District spokesman Andrew McAlley said Armed Offenders Squad members are currently searching 10 properties in an area where Kiriona is believed to be hiding.

Police today have been following up reports of possible sightings of Kiriona overnight.

Kiriona allegedly seriously assaulted his 31-year-old estranged partner. She suffered physical injuries and was taken to Waikato Hospital.

The woman's two children, aged seven and three, were present at the time of the incident.

Inspector Rob Lindsay said yesterday police were also aware the woman was subjected to an alleged earlier assault, where Kiriona held her against her will and a firearm was discharged two to three weeks ago at a Ngaruawahia address.

Police cordoned off a Nawton home about 11am yesterday looking for Kiriona.

"Distraction devices were used. However, no shots were fired and the offender was not located at the address, a search of the property is continuing and a scene guard is in place."

Police said the inquiry team today was completing scene examinations of the Nawton and Ngaruawahia properties.

Mr Lindsay said Kiriona had connections in both the Waikato and Wanganui areas, and was considered dangerous and should not be approached.

Kiriona was 1.75m tall, of medium build and known to be using methamphetamine, he said. Kiriona was a patched gang member, and had a distinctive bulldog tattoo on the left side of his face.

Police believe he may have recently had another tattoo done on his forehead.

- NZPA