Stokes Valley was in lockdown mode last night as Police were hunting for at least two armed offenders after the pair stormed into a Stokes Valley home and shot one man and bashed a woman with a gun early this morning.

“The intruders kicked in the door and fired at least two shots in the house, striking the male victim in the leg. His female partner was struck over the head with the gun, police said.

At least three children were in the house at the time.

The male victim, 37, suffered serious gunshot injuries to his leg. He was flown by Westpac rescue helicopter to Wellington Hospital after the armed invasion about 9.40pm.

The woman was able to call for an ambulance, as did neighbours who heard the shots. She was taken to Hutt Hospital with moderate head injuries. The victims’ car was also shot at and damaged.

Stokes Valley was in lockdown last night as police cordons prevented anyone from entering the entrance to the suburb and a helicopter circled overhead.

The two offenders wore balaclavas and black hooded sweatshirts when they entered the Amundsen Grove home and started shooting. Police believed they had a sawn-off shotgun.

Four men were in a red, four-door sedan that left after the shooting. A red car was found a short time later burnt out at Taita Bowling Club.

Police are investigating whether it is connected to the incident.

Armed police were still searching for the offenders early this morning.

Inspector Mike Coleman said the home invasion was premeditated. “It was obviously a planned attack. It’s possible they have mistaken the address and got the wrong people.”

via Stuff