Wanted gunman's mates warned

Associates of a gunman wanted by police in eastern Bay of Plenty have been warned to tell police if they know where he is.

Police have been searching for Terrence Bockman, 34, since he was seen discharging a gun and threatening people in Waimana, south-east of Whakatane, last Thursday.

He was spotted in Murupara, about 60km southwest of Waimana, on Saturday morning but had disappeared once a 10-strong police team including the armed offenders squad arrived.

Senior Sergeant Bruce Jenkins of Whakatane police said Bockman was well-known among the eastern Bay of Plenty rural community and asked any friends he had to tell police if they saw him.

"He's probably seeking refuge at an associate's house," Mr Jenkins said today.

"We want to warn that if anyone is housing him or helping him out, they will be charged with harbouring a criminal."

Bockman is described as a fair-skinned Maori, 34, with long, scruffy hair pulled back in a ponytail. Police said there was "a high likelihood" Bockman had been using pure methamphetamine, or P.

They said Bockman was armed and dangerous and should not be approached.

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

- NZPA