Police will continue to work overnight to locate a male believed to be involved in a suspected shooting incident at a residential property on Otatara Road, in Otarara, Invercargill, earlier this evening.
Emergency services were called just after 6.30pm to reports that someone had been shot.
A female who suffered a gunshot wound remains in Southland Hospital in a critical condition.
Southland Area Commander, Inspector Joel Lamb, says Police want to ensure the Otatara community they are doing everything they can to locate the male.
"The safety of local residents is our top priority and we want to reassure the public of that.
We thank everyone who has cooperated with Police this evening."
Cordons remain in place and those affected by the cordons have been spoken to by Police, and will be updated.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
Media note: Further details will be provided overnight if there is a significant update.