Christchurch Police are this afternoon speaking to a number of people in relation to an incident in Linwood this morning in which a man was shot.
An armed offenders squad search for an alleged offender has been stood down.
Detective Inspector Dave Long says investigators do not yet have a confirmed identification of the offender but are following a number of lines of enquiry.
The type of firearm used in the incident has not been confirmed, and no firearm has yet been recovered.
Police have yet to establish the circumstances of the shooting, Detective Inspector Long says.
"Enquiries to date suggest the person responsible may be an associate of someone known to the victim, but at this stage we are not able to confirm that person's identity or establish any connection to the victim."
Detective Inspector Long says the shooting appeared to be a deliberate, one-off incident, and Police did not have concerns that there was any threat to the wider public.
The victim, a 55-year old Christchurch man, was admitted to Christchurch hospital with injuries to his lower back and buttocks. He was reported to be in a serious but stable condition and was due to undergo surgery this afternoon.
Police are appealing for any information from members of the public who may have seen activity in the area of the shooting, at the Linwood end of Armagh Street, around 11am this morning.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Christchurch police on (03) 3637400. Alternatively, to provide information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
NOTE: Any further developments will be advised by media release