Two homes in Auckland were shot at overnight, leaving bullet holes in both buildings and a street riddled with casings.
Police were called after a residential property in Onehunga was fired upon at 10.30pm, with a second home in Māngere East targeted half an hour later.
The shooter remains on the run and police investigations are continuing. Security footage is being scoured for clues.
Police say they are “keeping an open mind” as to whether the two shootings are connected.
A police car remains at the scene of the shooting in Māngere East this morning. Police would not say if the two shootings were connected.
A 24-year-old man, who wished to remain anonymous, raced over to the street this morning to ensure a relative of his, who lived there, was safe.
”I grew up here, we don’t have gangs on this street, this is a family street,” he said.
”I was shocked.”
He said the family living at the house had owned the property for “a long time” and he claimed they did not have gang connections.
”They are good people, I’ve known the girl since school,” he said.
The man said his relative thought she heard fireworks before she looked outside and saw police.
“She was panicking,” he said.
Armed police were first called to a unit on Ahuwhenua Crescent in Onehunga around 10.30pm on Wednesday after reports of gunshots.
Detectives and a forensic photographer immediately began examining the scene, with armed police standing guard.
A bullet hole was visible from outside, showing it had gone through the garage hitting a vehicle inside.
Auckland City Crime Squad Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend said at 10.28pm police responded to reports of a firearm being discharged at an address on Ahuwhenua Cres.
No one was injured.
Those believed to have fired the shots left the area prior to police arriving, he said.
“At this stage, while they have not been located, police are following positive lines of enquiry, which includes reviewing a significant amount of available CCTV footage in and around the area,” said Friend.
“Police enquiries will continue today and there will be an increased police presence in the area.
“We encourage anyone else who was in the area or has information to assist who have not yet spoken to us to please get in touch.”
Police were then dispatched to Māngere East shortly after 11pm following a home being shot at on Haddon St.
The police immediately established cordons, and armed police were once again standing guard.
Several bullet holes were visible in the home’s windows, according to a Herald photographer at the scene.
Detectives placed at least 18 forensic markers where bullet casings were found on the roadway outside the address.
Police at both scenes were unable to comment on the night’s events but confirmed both incidents were serious and firearms-related.
Last night’s shootings come one week after shots were fired late at night in Mt Roskill.
Gunshots were heard on Ellis Ave around 9.42pm on May 30, with police finding evidence guns had been fired.
A convoy of vehicles had fled the scene, according to witnesses. No buildings were damaged and nobody was found injured.
The man is now in a critical but stable condition in hospital.