Shots fired, victim bashed in Hanmer
A man kidnapped after shots were fired at his house managed to escape, but not before he was bashed in the face with a gun.
Police are looking for at least one person after the home invasion near Hanmer Springs in North Canterbury on Monday night.
It was understood the offender or offenders kidnapped the homeowner, assaulted him and stole his car – a silver 2017 Nissan X-Trail with registration number KQU365.
Police said the man, in his 50s, received a ‘‘moderate head injury’’. It’s understood he was hit in the face with a pistol and required stitches. The man escaped, but police are still looking for the car.
Canterbury rural area commander Inspector Peter Cooper advised the public not to approach those in the car.
It was understood the offenders were targeting someone else – and went to the wrong address.
Cooper said ‘‘several’’ shots was fired at the house, which was near Amuri Jet Hanmer Springs.
‘‘While there were a number of people [adults and children] at the house at the time, fortunately nobody was injured by the shots fired.’’
Armed police rushed to the incident on Hanmer Springs Rd, near State Highway 7, about 9.30pm. About 10 police cars and members of the armed offenders squad were seen heading north from Christchurch.
‘‘The assault victim and his family are being supported by police and Victim Support.’’
Police cordoned off the property and were carrying out a scene examination yesterday.
The police said they did an extensive search of the area on Monday night.