At around midnight last night Police received a report of a person who had been shot in the back by another off Stanmore Road, between Gloucester and Worcester Streets, in Christchurch.
Two independent witnesses who were at a nearby ATM heard what they thought was a gun shot.
They have then observed two men run from an alleyway which runs through to Stanmore Road. One has got into a white Holden car possibly a Berlina or Callais, four door, and has driven off.
The second man has told the two witnesses that he was shot in the back.
He was not displaying any adverse effects from any injuries he had and there was no sign of any blood.
An area in the car park behind the old Westpac Bank at that location is being examined this morning by Police.
The first male is described as male Mäori about 173 cms (5 foot 8 inches) tall, with a long pony tail, and wearing a black jacket and black pants.
The second was a male Polynesian about 30 years over 183 cm (6 foot) tall, of stocky build, bald, and with a graze and injuries to his left eye. At the time he was also wearing black clothing.
Neither of these persons has been located and inquiries are continuing.
"At this stage we have no victim or further information about this incident. We are appealing for anyone who was in that area around midnight or has any relevant information to contact Central CIB on 3637400," says Detective Sergeant Mike Johnson.