Drive-by shooting in Napier

File photo / NZ Herald

Napier police are investigating a drive-by shooting, in which a man was shot with a slug-gun early yesterday.

The man, aged 50, was shot from a range of five to 10 metres in an apparently random attack about 2.30am on West Quay in the suburb of Ahuriri, in central Napier, Detective Seargent Emmet Lynch told NZPA.

The man, who was socialising with friends before the attack, had to have a slug pellet removed from his abdomen but was lucky to escape without more serious injuries, Mr Lynch said.

"Had it (the pellet) hit his neck or face then obviously the injury could have been a lot more serious," Mr Lych said.

Police had made progress in their investigation but were asking anyone who saw a silver Nissan skyline saloon, GTS model, with three people in it to come forward.

"We are following some strong lines of enquiry in regards to identity of the offenders, but we are just keen on the public coming foward if they have seen the incident, or other movements of this vehicle."

- NZPA