Updated: Police are continuing to seek 24-year-old Hori Gemmell in relation to the serious incident in Gore last night.
Police believe Gemmell is connected to the incident which saw a Police vehicle rammed and two firearms stolen, and would like to locate and speak with him as soon as possible.
He is believed to still be in the area, is considered dangerous and should not be approached.
The two Police-issued Glock pistols stolen during the incident also remain outstanding.
Officers have today executed a number of search warrants at properties in the Eastern Southland area, Southern District Commander Superintendent Paul Basham said.
I would like to thank the community for their assistance and understanding while Police undertake these enquiries.
Locating this man and the stolen Police firearms is an absolute priority, and we will continue to undertake enquiries and execute search warrants where necessary, based on information received, until he is found and the stolen firearms safely recovered.
I have ordered Eastern Southland and Invercargill Police to remain armed in light of the current circumstances.
A large number of officers are currently working on the operation.
Southern District Police are being assisted in their enquiries by Police specialist teams from other parts of the country.
We ask that anyone who has information about Gemmell’s whereabouts, or who may have seen him, call 111 immediately or Crimestoppers anonymously, or Gore Police Station on (03) 203 9300.
The circumstances of this incident have been referred to the IPCA.
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Police are seeking 24-year-old Hori Gemmell of the Clutha District in relation to the serious incident in Gore overnight.
Gemmell has an existing warrant to arrest issued by Gore District Court last month.
We have reason to believe he may be connected to the incident and would like to locate and speak with him as soon as possible.
Police attempted to stop a vehicle in the Crewe Road area of Gore shortly before midnight.
The driver rammed the patrol car before fleeing on foot with Police chasing, also on foot.
The man has then circled back around, stolen the patrol vehicle, which had the keys left in it, and rammed another Police car before abandoning the vehicle a short while later, Southern District Commander Superintendent Paul Basham sai
Two Police-issued Glock pistols were stolen.
Hori Gemmell is considered dangerous and should not be approached.
If you see anyone suspicious or have any information that may assist Police, please immediately contact 111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
It is an absolute priority for Police to locate this man.
District staff have the assistance of Police specialist national Police teams.
The incident will be referred to the IPCA.