Armed man hunted by police

Armed police surround a Napier flat following reports that a man threatened a woman with a firearm. Photo / NZPA

Police are hunting for a heavily tattooed man who allegedly pointed a gun at a woman in central Napier yesterday.

Shannon Quinton Watene fled after allegedly pointing a pistol at the woman in a Hastings Street flat about 7.10pm, Napier police said.

Armed offenders squad members cordoned the area off for several hours and searched a number of properties, but were unable to find him.

Watene was described as Caucasian, 178cm tall and of medium build.

He has the word "notorious" tattooed across his cheeks and bridge of his nose and three bulldogs across his forehead.

Police said Watene should not be approached as he was considered armed and dangerous, but anyone who had seen him should contact them.

The woman was not injured during the incident and was now with family, police said.

- NZPA