Man arrested after partner, two other men beaten

An Auckland man holding a baby and wielding an air rifle has been arrested for assaulting his partner and two men who went to investigate, police say.

The incident happened overnight at a property in Fairfield, Hamilton, where the couple had been house-sitting.

Senior Sergeant Kent Holdsworth said the 21-year-old man allegedly attacked his partner who fled to a neighbouring property.

He then grabbed an air rifle, shooting at the house where she sought refuge.

Two men who went to investigate the shooting were also attacked.

Police arriving at the scene cordoned off the neighbourhood, believing the situation to be something far more sinister, Mr Holdsworth said.

"When we receive reports of a firearm being used, police take it very seriously and treat the threat accordingly to ensure the safety of our staff, the public and the offender."

While officers arrived at the scene the man was sitting in the front doorway of the house, with the gun and the baby. He was taken into custody after a two-hour standoff.

Mr Holdsworth said police had received reports the baby had earlier been hit when it wouldn't stop crying. A two-year-old was also in the house.

The arrested man would face assault and misuse of firearms charges.

- NZPA