Christchurch Police are investigating a shooting that occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning in the central city.
A 22-year old man remains in Christchurch Hospital with a single gun shot wound to his chest area. He is reported to be in a serious but stable condition. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
"At this stage we believe the shooting is related to an altercation between two groups of people who are known to each other, which occurred shortly before the shooting," says Detective Senior Sergeant Tony Hill.
The incident occurred at around 3.40am on Harper Avenue.
Police are appealing for any sightings of a Mitsubishi L300 Van descried as blue or grey in colour, and a Mercedes Benz Sedan coloured Silver in the area of Bealey Avenue, Harper Avenue or Carlton Mill Corner, between 3am and 4am this morning.
"We have conflicting information about the type of firearm used, however any incident involving firearms is concerning and this altercation could have easily resulted in a young man's death.
"We are reasonably confident we know who was involved in this and Police encourage them to come forward," Detective Senior Sergeant Hill says.
An area of North Hagley Park, near Harper Avenue, remains cordoned off.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Christchurch police on (03) 3637400. Alternatively, to provide information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
For more information:
Stephen Hill, Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District
03 3637815 / 027 4363701