Police hunt driveby shooter

Police were tonight still hunting a gunman after a young man was critically injured in a driveby shooting in south Auckland last night.

Officers are waiting to talk to the 23-year-old victim reported to be in a stable condition in Auckland's Middlemore Hospital with a stomach wound.

He and a friend had just got out of car and were walking along O'Connor Street in Otara about 8pm when 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," Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Pizzini said.

"The victim's friend then heard a loud bang. Following this, the offender's car sped away heading towards Flatbush."

The friend, who told police the offender was not known to the pair, took the shot man to Middlemore Hospital where surgery was performed last night.

Mr Pizzini said that he was lucky to escape with his life.

He said it was not clear whether a handgun or a rifle was used, though it was known that the weapon was not a shotgun.

It was too early to comment on whether the shooting was gang-related.

Police spokeswoman Ana-Mari Gates-Bowey said police had no description of the shooter or why it happened.

She said police wanted to hear from anyone who knew the car or the gunman.

People with information could call the Otara CIB on 09-2720900.

- NZPA