Police seek video footage as shots fired during gang clash in Whakatane streets

NZ Herald

17 Jan, 2017 10:10 PMQuick Read

Residents reported hearing multiple gunshots and a number of vehicles have been damaged. Local shops closed their doors and people peeped out to the street watching what was happening. Facebook / Hemapo Kereama

Police are appealing for footage of a funeral procession after shots were fired during a gang clash in a Whakatane street.

An investigation is being launched into who fired the shots as the body of Mongrel Mob member Tahu Kingi was being transported in a motorcade from Kawerau to Whakatane.

Acting Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander Senior Sergeant Richard Miller today asked for anyone with recordings of the funeral procession to come forward.

He said police were making enquiries after shots were fired at about 2.15pm near the corner of Valley and Arawa Rds.

The motorcade moved on from the crematorium without further trouble yesterday evening.

Miller said police were speaking to a number of people.

A 21-year-old man affiliated with the Out Back Blacks gang had been charged with possession of an offensive weapon. He was due to appear in Whakatane District Court next Tuesday.

Anyone with information was asked to contact Whakatane Police on (07) 308 5255 or anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police do not believe the public is at risk.