Wanted gunman narrowly avoids police

A gunman wanted in eastern Bay of Plenty since Thursday is still on the loose after avoiding the armed offenders squad.

Police have been searching for Terrence Bockman since he was seen discharging a gun and threatening people in Waimana, south-east of Whakatane.

Constable Caoin Macy, of Whakatane police, said about 10 police, including the armed offenders squad, descended on Murupara, about 60km southwest of Waimana, on Saturday morning after a member of the public reported he was there.

"The information was that he was there early that morning and we believe it was good information," Mr Macy said.

"We were there from about 8am to 2pm, but we could not locate him."

Mr Macy said Bockman was armed and dangerous and should not be approached.

Senior Sergeant Bruce Jenkins of Whakatane police said on Friday there was "a high likelihood" that Bockman had been using pure methamphetamine, or P.

Bockman is described as a fair-skinned Maori, 34, with long, scruffy hair pulled back in a ponytail.

"He is quite well-known in the rural areas around this area so the chances of getting good information about him is quite high," Mr Macy said.

Anyone with any information was asked to contact police on 07 308 5255 or 0800 TIPOFF.

- NZPA