• Child lucky not to be injured in yesterday’s Taradale gang shooting.

Child lucky not to be injured in yesterday’s Taradale gang shooting.

Police say a shotgun pellet struck a child’s car seat during yesterday’s gang-related shooting incident in Taradale.

“Fortunately the child was unharmed, but this behaviour is completely unacceptable and we are determined to hold those responsible to account,” Detective Inspector Rob Jones.

Parts of Taradale’s shopping district were in lockdown and bystanders were left terrified after yesterday’s incident, where several shots were fired.

Police say the fight involved 30 to 40 Black Power and Mongrel Mob members.

A 25-year-old man received injuries to his head, face and torso from a single gunshot. 

He remains in a serious but stable condition at Hawke’s Bay Hospital.

“Tensions between the Mongrel Mob and Black Power have continued to escalate in recent months with Police investigating a number of serious incidents and outbreaks of violence in public places – many of which have been witnessed by members of the public,” Detective Inspector Jones said.

In a second incident being investigated by Eastern District Police, shots were reportedly fired between the occupants of two vehicles and a person at a residential address in Ruatoria, north of Gisborne, on Saturday morning.

The Ruatoria incident is also believed to be related to a clash between Black Power and the Mongrel Mob.

“Police urge anyone who may have information about either of these incidents to come forward,” Detective Inspector Jones said.

"We would also like to hear from anyone with CCTV or dash cam footage that may assist these investigations.”

Information can be provided by calling 105 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A temporary carriage of firearms directive is in place for Eastern District and members of the public can expect a heightened Police presence as enquires continue.

 

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