Gisborne man charged with attempted murder

File photo / Martin Sykes

A Gisborne man has been charged with attempted murder after a New Year's Day shooting that left a man in hospital, police say.

He was also charged with three counts of aggravated robbery and assault with intent to rob.

The man allegedly shot the 29-year-old victim in the face in the city about 3.30pm then fled in the man's car, said Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Scott of Gisborne police.

The man then allegedly went to the Red Door liquor store, where he threatened two female staff with the rifle and demanded cash from the till before leaving.

He was pursued by police and eventually captured about two hours later, north of Gisborne.

The man broke and cut his arm badly by allegedly smashing windows at a residential house, Mr Scott said.

He was hospitalised and not discharged until today.

The shot man remained in Waikato Hospital but was expected to be discharged over the next two days, Mr Scott said.

Police were continuing to investigate the shooting and robberies and would like to speak with anyone who may have been threatened by the alleged gunman.

The gun used in the shooting, believed to be a .22 calibre rifle, was found on State Highway 2, near Otoko, about 50km north of Gisborne, Mr Scott said.

- NZPA