Statement attributable to Detective Inspector Dene Begbie, Northland Investigations Manager:
Northland Police are continuing its investigation into an unprovoked incident where one of our staff was shot at early this morning.
Our investigation is progressing today and we are following a number of lines of enquiry.
At around 4.13am this morning a car has pulled out in front of a Police vehicle and stopped in the middle of the road on State Highway 11 near the Puketona Junction with State Highway 10.
Before the officer could get out of the patrol car, two males have exited their vehicle and have both presented firearms.
The officer has immediately retreated but one shot was fired at the vehicle which has damaged the windscreen.
Thankfully, our officer was not harmed and they have quickly left the scene and called for backup.
A scene examination has been completed at the scene.
Additionally to this, Police are actively investigating a kidnapping incident which was reported to have occurred near Waipapa late last night.
Police have located a vehicle of interest to this enquiry. This vehicle, a grey 2010 Nissan Skyline, was set alight on Puketotara Road near Okaihau at around 4.50am this morning.
