Dangerous drug-user seen at breakfast in Mangonui

William Morris

An Auckland police hunt for a dangerous armed drug-user has broadened after a tip-off that he was seen having breakfast at the Mangonui Fish Shop in Northland.

Police said William (Wiremu) Morris was believed to have driven off in a silver Mazda Capella car. The registration number of the car was traced to a nearby Mill Bay address.

Armed police went to the location.

"We didn't find him but we believe he was in the area," said Senior Sergeant Gordon Gunn of Kaitaia police.

Morris is known in the Mangonui area and has family connections to a marae south of the town. He has been on the run since threatening people in a house in Avondale, Auckland, and firing a shot earlier this week.

Police said Morris, who has a full facial moko, was fuelled by the drug methamphetamine, or P, and was believed to have a rifle or shotgun with him.

His sister, Rewa, appealed on 3 News last night for him to give himself up - for the good of his children and whanau. "Your family love you," she said.

Family members said he was desperate to find his estranged wife, who has gone into hiding. They said he was known to hide a butcher's knife fixed on his leg under his trousers.

Henderson police urged anyone with information to contact them.

Morris is wanted on charges including kidnapping, threatening to kill, vehicle theft, intimidation, serious assaults and firearms offences.

- NZPA, staff reporter