Body found during manhunt for police station shooter

Photo / Martin Sykes

Police have recovered a man's body near a vehicle of interest in relation to the earlier shooting of a woman in Tokoroa today.

Bay of Plenty District Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Tim Anderson, says members of the Armed Offenders Squad found the body near the vehicle in the Mamuku Forest, near Tokoroa, at around 7.30pm.

"At this stage we are following due process to formally identify the body and inform next of kin, after which we will be in a position to confirm and release the name of the deceased.

"Tomorrow, and into the coming week, we will focus on investigating the events which led to today's shooting.

"I'd like to thank the team of investigators and AOS members who have worked tirlessley on the case today."

Waikato Hospital had earlier informed Police that the woman was in stable but critical condition.

The woman was shot by a man after driving to Tokoroa police station in a bid for help.

The shooter was a man identified as Jamie David Ginns who was seen leaving the area in a white four door sedan. Police describe Ginns as extremely dangerous.

The woman, aged in her 30s, was shot near her car after pulling up outside the police station. She was taken to Tokoroa Hospital and then airlifted by the Westpac Waikato Air Ambulance to Waikato hospital where she underwent surgery. She remains in a critical condition.

An eyewitness who heard the shot said she heard the boom of a shotgun then saw the woman lying in the street bleeding.

POLICE APPEAL FOR INFORMATION

Bay of Plenty Police District Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Tim Anderson, says Jamie David Ginns followed the woman in his car as she drove at speed into the Tokoroa township and toward the Police station.

The Armed Offenders Squad was deployed and followed up reports from the public in relation to Ginns' possible whereabouts.

Police considered Ginns 'extremely dangerous' and warned public not to approach him.

Anyone with information about the shooting needs to call Police on 111 immediately or provide information anonymously if necessary via the independent Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.

Ginns is described as European, aged 32 years and is approximately 183cm tall of medium build.