Police in the Cook Islands are hunting an escaped prisoner after two people were shot.
Cook Islands police said in a media statement that there had been a shooting incident in Titikaveka.
"Two people have been shot," police said, but did not give conditions.
Senior Sergeant Maeva Kirikava told the New Zealand Herald he couldn't comment on the pair's conditions.
Asked if they were alive, he said: "I can't confirm that".
He believed those shot were from the Cook Islands.
More information would be released later tonight or tomorrow morning.
There was no answer at Rarotonga Hospital.
Police said they were looking for escaped prisoner Chris Rimamotu of Titikaveka.
"This person is armed and considered very dangerous. We urge members of the public not to approach this person if located," Cook Islands police said.
More to come.
