Shot fired during Rotorua gang dispute

A gang dispute that ended in a shot being fired on a suburban Rotorua street in the middle of the afternoon has been described as "disgraceful, dangerous and idiotic".

There was a dispute on Brookland Rd, Western Heights, between opposing gang members about 2pm on Sunday, Senior Sergeant Denis Murphy of the Rotorua police said.

A short time later a car load of gang members went to an address in nearby Bell Rd where a fight broke out.

"A person at the address presented a firearm," he said. "The others left but returned a short time later and a shot was discharged at a person in the house.

It doesn't appear anyone was struck."

Armed police cordoned off the area, removed people from the address and searched the house.

Police were speaking to a number of people in relation to the incident but at this stage nobody had been arrested, he said.

Detectives from the Rotorua CIB were investigating and inquiries were continuing.

"Several" people were involved in the two altercations, Mr Murphy said.

"It was a disgraceful, dangerous and idiotic series of incidents," he said.

"Police have increased reassurance patrols in the area targeting the movements of gang members."

Anyone who witnessed either the incident in Brookland Rd or the one in Bell Rd was asked to call Rotorua police on 07 348 0099, or anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

- Katie Holland of the Rotorua Daily Post

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