Shots fired after Wairoa rugby game

Police in Wairoa say it was a miracle no-one was hurt after shots were fired into a crowd after a rugby game in the town on Saturday.

The rugby game was held at Lambton Square in the town on Saturday afternoon and was between a Raupunga team and Tapuwai team. The Raupunga team has Black Power connections and the Tapuwai team is aligned with the Mongrel Mob.

Senior Sergeant Tony Bates said the game progressed without incident, apart from a short scuffle on the sidelines between a Mob and a Black Power member.

As people were leaving the grounds at the end of the game, a white Nissan ute drove up the road leading into the park's carpark. There were several Mongrel Mob members in the cab of the vehicle and on the back tray.

Mr Bates said an argument developed between people in the ute and some others leaving the carpark. A male in the back of the ute fired four shots towards the crowd and into the air. No-one was injured.

"This was an extremely dangerous and reckless thing to do and it is a miracle no-one was hurt or injured. There were innocent people in the crowd leaving the carpark, including children, and there could have been several injuries or even deaths," Mr Bates said.

Police have found the car in Wairoa and were today talking to the owner and the occupants. Anyone with information about the shooting should contact Wairoa police or information can be left anonymously on Crimestoppers, 0800 555 111.

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