21 Apr 2014

Pair in custody after Makara shooting

9:52 pm on 21 April 2014

Two men are in custody following an early morning shooting at Makara Beach in Wellington.

A third man is in a serious but stable condition after being flown to hospital by helicopter for surgery.

Detective Senior Sergeant John van den Heuvel.

Detective Senior Sergeant John van den Heuvel. Photo: RNZ

Police called to the beach on the south-west coast just after 5am on Monday found the 55-year-old man with gunshot wounds.

Residents said a gun had been fired after a dispute involving a small number of people. The injured man sought help from a seaside home and police and ambulance staff were alerted.

Detective Senior Sergeant John Van Den Heuvel said the investigation is continuing and police want to hear from anyone who saw a 1990 Mitsubishi Mirage seen leaving the beach area shortly after the incident.

Mr Van Den Heuvel said police stopped the car at a cordon in the morning as it headed for the suburb of Karori and apprehended the two occupants who now face a charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

The men will appear in the Wellington District Court on Tuesday. Mr van den Heuvel said a firearm used in the shooting is believed to be a shotgun and police are searching for it.

Police said the shooting was an isolated incident and the public should not be worried.

A scene examination of the beach has been carried out and cordons would be lifted on Monday evening.

Part of Makara Beach was cordoned off.

Part of Makara Beach was cordoned off. Photo: RNZ / Eric Frykberg