Shots fired from van

A police officer and a member of the public had to dive for cover when shots were fired at them from a passing van in North Auckland late yesterday afternoon.

Inspector Mike Hill of Auckland police said in a statement last night that the officer and the member of the public were standing beside a patrol car in the north-bound lane of State Highway One at the Silverdale off-ramp.

Shots were fired across the motorway from a grey van travelling south.

Mr Hill said the officer and the member of the public were forced to dive for cover and were not hurt.

"We are appealing for any sightings of the vehicle, especially from people who may have been travelling on State Highway One at the time of the incident," Mr Hill said.

"Such a criminal act is deplorable against a police officer and a member of the public. A number of lives were placed at risk through the deliberate actions of the person firing the shots.

"Police will do whatever we can do find those responsible, " Mr Hill said.

The vehicle from which the shots were fired is described as a 1986 silver or grey Nissan Vannette of Mazda Bongo van. It may have had tinted windows and its body may have been lowered.

Mr Hill said anyone with information about the incident should contact Takapuna police.

- NZPA