Manhunt after shotgun fired in domestic incident

Photo / Thinkstock

Police are hunting a 50-year-old Dunedin man after he fired a shotgun during a domestic incident in Central Otago last night.

The man and his partner were staying at a holiday home with a group of people in the settlement of Waipiata, 10km southeast of Ranfurly, when he produced a shotgun and fired into the ground about 9.45pm after an argument with his partner, Sergeant Ian Kerrisk of Alexandra police said.

The man then fled the scene on foot sparking a police man hunt.

No one was injured but the incident left members of the group shocked and upset, Mr Kerrisk said.

The man's partner had been taken to a place of safety and the group was receiving help from victim support.

Police were unable to find the man but believe he may trying to return to Dunedin.

It was believed the man did not have access to a weapon or vehicle and he was not considered a threat to the public, Mr Kerrisk said.

Police were working with family members to try and get in contact with the man so the incident could be resolved.

- NZPA