Police believe armed fugitive still in Auckland area

William (Wiremu) Morris

Police hunting an armed drug-user said today that they were confident he was still in the Auckland area.

They added they were no longer calling for sightings of a silver Mazda Capella that William (Wiremu) Morris was earlier believed to have driven from a Northland food outlet.

The vehicle had been discounted from the inquiry, Detective Constable Joshua Meinsma said.

Morris was reported to have had breakfast yesterday at the Mangonui Fish Shop in Northland.

Police were still trying to confirm whether the report was a genuine lead.

Mr Meinsma said police believed Morris was still being harboured by associates, but had no idea exactly where.

"I'm quite confident he is still in the Auckland area."

Morris, who has a full facial moko, is wanted on charges including kidnapping, threatening to kill, vehicle theft, intimidation, serious assaults and firearms offences.

He has been on the run since earlier this week, when he threatened people in a west Auckland house and then discharged a firearm in the Auckland suburb of Avondale.

Police have described him as desperate and dangerous, and a user of the drug P.

His sister, Rewa, appealed on 3 News last night for Morris to give himself up for the good of his children and family.

Relatives said he was desperate to find his estranged wife, who had gone into hiding. They said Morris was known to hide a butcher's knife fixed on his leg under his trousers.

Henderson police urged anyone with information to contact them on (09) 839-0600.

- NZPA