Metal detectors used in motorway shooting hunt

Police were today using metal detectors to search an Auckland motorway after several shots were fired at a policeman.

Both northbound and southbound sides of the northern motorway near the Silverdale off ramp were being searched for spent rounds and cartridge cases.

Police said they believed the gunman did not have a specific police officer as a target in Saturday evening's incident. None of the shots hit the policeman or the police car.

The policeman who was shot at did not complete his shift and was interviewed by police welfare officers.

He was not hurt but was emotionally shaken, police spokesman, Jayson Rhodes said.

Police have refused to say how many shots were fired.

The shooters were in a van similar to 1986 silver or prima grey Nissan vannette or Mazda bongo van travelling in the opposite direction. It had tinted windows and may have been lowered.

More than one person was in the vehicle.

- NZPA