Man hit by ricochet bullet undergoes emergency surgery

File photo / Thinkstock

An 18-year-old man is undergoing emergency surgery after being shot during a homekill in Helensville.

Police were called to a Peak Rd property at 11:17am after reports a bullet shot by a professional homekill slaughterman had richoceted off a beast's head and into his 18-year-old assistant's shoulder.

Westpac rescue helicopter paramedics flew the victim to Auckland Hospital in a serious condition.

Rodney police said an investigation had been launched into the shooting.

A scene examination was being carried out at the property and witnesses to the incident were being interviewed.

The Department of Labour had been notified and would be carrying out its own investigation, police said.

- HERALD ONLINE