Police hunt man after gun incident

A heavily tattooed man who allegedly pointed a gun at a woman in Napier yesterday remains on the run tonight.

Shannon Quinton Watene, who has the word "notorious" tattooed across his face, was considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached, police said.

He fled police after allegedly pointing a pistol at the woman in a Hastings St flat about 7.10pm, yesterday.

Armed offenders squad members cordoned the area off for several hours and searched a number of properties, but were unable to find him.

Sergeant Craig Ellison tonight appealed for anyone who saw him to contact police.

"We've had a number of phone calls from members of the public, but we haven't located him yet," he told NZPA.

Police believed Watene was still in the Hawke's Bay.

Officers had been talking to his family today but had not found anything which led to his whereabouts, Mr Ellison said.

Watene was described as a Caucasian of medium build, about 178cm tall.

He has "notorious" tattooed across his cheeks and bridge of his nose and three bulldogs across his forehead.

The woman was not injured during the incident.

- NZPA