Police seek public's help following Thames double shooting

Eastern Waikato Police are seeking the public's help in locating those responsible for a home invasion in Thames overnight which left two people suffering gunshot wounds and a third person in shock.

Detective Sergeant Martyn Hughes of the Thames CIB said emergency services were called to a geriatric hospital on Parawai Rd about 8.20pm.

"Occupants from a property across the road went to the hospital to raise the alarm after an alleged home invasion.

"We're currently working to establish just what has occurred but initial indications are a man and a woman were at home when a vehicle pulled up the drive."

Mr Hughes said the 73-year-old man from the address went outside to see who it was and was accosted by three men wearing balaclavas who took him back inside.

"A short time later a friend of the victims arrived at the address and he too was held at gunpoint by the offenders.

"At some point a shotgun has gone off inside the house and the intruders have fled the property."

Initially a 17-year-old woman from the property was reported as the sole casualty during the shooting however information received earlier today confirmed the 18-year-old friend visiting the address was also wounded.

"Both injured people were assessed as requiring surgery for their injuries and were to be transferred to Waikato Hospital but they both discharged themselves overnight. The 73-year-old man from the address suffered facial injuries and shock and was kept in Thames Hospital overnight for observation.

"When spoken to by Police the victims described the offenders' vehicle being a silver and dark coloured flat deck utility and Police would like to hear from anyone who saw such a vehicle in or around Parawai Rd about the time of the incident or who saw or heard anything."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Thames Police on 07 858 6200.

Alternatively, information can be left anonymously with the independent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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