Police hope pictures will help identify river shooters

Hamilton Police are seeking the publics help in identifying two men reported by several members of the public discharging a firearm from a boat within the city's boundaries on the Waikato River yesterday.

Senior Sergeant Dave Litton of the Hamilton Police said three 111 calls were made about the occupants of a white Challenger boat allegedly duck shooting on the river about 4.30pm.

"The calls resulted in the Hamilton Police rescue boat being launched and as a precautionary measure one of the two officers on board was armed with an issue rifle.

"The boat was not located however follow up enquiries today suggest the boat had travelled to Hamilton from Cambridge. We know the occupants travelled under the Cobham Bridge north towards the CBD before turning round and the last confirmed sighting of the vessel was off Malcolm St."

Mr Litton said from the Police's perspective anyone discharging a firearm in a built up area posed a significant concern and investigating officers can not rule out the possibility of charges.

"There are a number of walkways and parks above the river that could be accessed by members of the public let alone private sections and for anyone to be taking aim at something and firing without having taken this into consideration is considered to be acting in a fairly foolish manner

"At this point Police would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time of the shooting or who recognises the occupants of the boat."

Mr Litton said the best thing the occupants or owner of the boat could do was to make contact with Police rather than officers establishing their identity and locating them.

Anyone with any information on the incident is asked to contact Mr Litton at the Hamilton Central Police Station on 07 858 6200.

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

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