Violent kidnap drama near Hanmer
A man kidnapped after shots were fired at his house managed to escape by jumping out of a moving vehicle he was being forced to drive.
Police are looking for at least one person after the home invasion on Hanmer Springs Rd, near Hanmer Springs, on Monday night.
It is understood the offender or offenders kidnapped the homeowner, assaulted him and forced him to drive them in 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 is understood he was hit in the face with a pistol and required stitches.
It is not clear whether the offenders targeted the right house.
Canterbury rural area commander Inspector Peter Cooper said the victim had driven the vehicle about 100 metres down the road from the house on Hanmer Springs Rd. It is understood he escaped from the car shortly before it crashed. Those responsible then drove the car away from the scene.
Cooper said police were still looking for the car and advised the public not to approach those inside.
Police did not know how many people were involved in the incident.
Cooper said ‘‘several’’ shots were 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 about 9.30pm on Monday. About 10 police cars and members of the armed offenders squad (AOS) were seen heading north from Christchurch.
Police cordoned off the property and were carrying out a scene examination yesterday.
The AOS did an extensive search of the area on Monday night, but did not find the offender, police said at the time.
Anyone who has seen the stolen car since about 10pm on Monday, or who had information that could help police find the offender, was asked to phone the Christchurch police on 03 363 7400 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.