Man 'critical' after drive-by shooting

A man is in a critical condition after a drive-by shooting last night.

A 23-year-old man was lucky to escape with his life after a drive-by shooting last night.

The man was walking with a friend along O'Connor Road in Otara at 8pm when a vehicle pulled up alongside him and fired at him from close range, police say.

Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Pizzini says the victim had been picked up from his home by a friend and the pair had then driven to another address and parked their vehicle in a nearby street.

"As they walked down O'Connor Rd a Silver car described as a hatchback/sedan with mag wheels and tinted windows pulled up".

"The offender called the victim by his first name whilst he was stood next to the vehicle. The victim's friend then heard a loud bang. Following this the offender's car sped away heading towards Flatbush", he said.

The victim was driven to Middlemore Hospital by his friend, where he underwent surgery.

Police say he his currently in a stable but critical condition.

The scene of the drive-by shooting is cordoned off with an armed scene guard on duty, police say.

- NZ HERALD STAFF