Wairarapa Police investigating firearms in Carterton

Wairarapa Police are investigating an incident, Saturday, where a firearm was presented and discharged at three people inside a Carterton house.

Detective Senior Sergeant Sean Hansen, officer in charge of Wairarapa CIB says three male Maori visited a house at the north end of High Street about 8:30am yesterday morning.

"An altercation then took place and the trio drove their vehicle at one of the female occupants, missing her but causing damage to the side of the house and a door, before leaving the address."

Sean Hansen says the trio then returned about five minutes later with a shotgun, and a round was discharged in the direction of the house. A male occupant inside was struck by a shotgun pellet, receiving minor injuries.

The trio left in the car and headed south on High Street, towards the Carterton township.

Members of the Armed Offenders Squad conducted searches at three Carterton addresses yesterday evening in connection to the incident. A number of people were spoken to by Police and one person was arrested on outstanding warrants and will appear in the Masterton District Court tomorrow.

"We're following some very positive lines of inquiry but are seeking more information from the public."

Police believe the three men left the house in a red hatchback and are urging anyone who may have seen this vehicle in Carterton or the wider Wairarapa area yesterday to contact them as soon as possible.

Sean Hansen says this incident appears to be gang-related and urge anyone with any information to either phone Wairarapa Police (06) 370 0300 or phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.