A teenage girl is in hospital with serious injuries after being shot in a road rage incident in Auckland overnight.
The shooting has sparked a police investigation as officers continue to search for those responsible for the attack.
"What we saw last night was an appalling display of violence… We are incredibly fortunate today that we are not dealing with a homicide investigation," Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend said during a press conference.
Det Snr Sgt Friend said the 15-year-old victim has suffered a number of injuries but is not likely to undergo surgery.
"Her family are all understandably shaken by what has happened and we are doing our utmost to support them as the investigation progresses," he said.
The teenager was travelling citybound on the Southern Motorway at around 9:50pm in a minivan with four of her family members when a hatchback took "exception to the minivan" and began to drive in an "aggressive manner", police said.
Det Snr Sgt Friend said the hatchback was "hard braking", which is when one vehicle gets in front of another and brakes hard causing the other vehicle to take evasive action.
Both vehicles continued onto the Northwestern Motorway and exited at St Lukes Road.
At around 10pm, near the intersection with Asquith Avenue, Det Snr Sgt Friend said multiple shots were fired at the rear of the minivan, one of which went through the vehicle and the victim, who was sitting at the back of the vehicle.
He said another person was moderately injured, but not shot.
The offending hatchback fled the area and the minivan stopped at Z Sandringham petrol station on Sandringham Road where police were notified.
The teenager was transported to Auckland City Hospital where she is in a stable condition.
"Like our community, police are appalled at the reckless violence exhibited towards innocent members of the public in this incident," the spokesperson said.
"We have no tolerance for the disregard shown for others’ safety by the occupants of the hatchback."
"The community can be assured that Police are taking this incident extremely seriously and our investigation team are working to hold those responsible to account."
Police said their investigation is still in the early stages, but would like to hear from any motorists travelling along the route who witnessed the initial incident.
"If you can assist our investigation, please contact Police through our 105 phone service quoting the file number 230516/7840 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111," the spokesperson said.
The car of the shooter is a 2009 grey Mazda Axela with the licence plate NGL15. Police urge the public to exercise caution and to not approach this vehicle or its occupants, and call 111 immediately.
Z Energy told Newshub in a statement its Sandringham store has now reopened and its focus is on supporting "our site staff who responded to this situation".
"We are aware there was an incident last night where a person arrived at Z Sandringham seriously injured," Z Energy said in a statement.
"Site staff called emergency services and the person was taken away to receive medical attention. Police were also present at the scene and this is now an ongoing investigation."
