Gunshots fired in city street

Two gunshots were fired in what is believed to be a drive-by shooting in central Palmerston North tonight.

No one was injured in the incident, which happened outside The Mill Liquor Save in Grey St at approximately 7.20pm, but police are not ruling out gang involvement.

Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Sheridan of Palmerston North police said a blue 4WD vehicle pulled up to The Mill at about 7.20pm and parked outside, near the front door.

The driver got out of the vehicle and spoke to someone. While he was standing a group of people - believed to be driving past in a vehicle - fired two shots in his direction, Mr Sheridan said.

The man unhurt. He refused to make a complaint or talk to police when they arrived at the scene.

Police said they are not ruling out gang involvement.

Nearby United Video employee James Tattersall said he thought the first shot was a car backfiring, before realising it was a gunshot.

The carpark outside, shared by The Mill and United Video, was nearly empty at the time, he said. Staff at The Mill said they were not allowed to speak to the media.

- © Fairfax NZ News