Police are responding to a firearms incident in Napier on Sunday afternoon.

A fight broke out on a Hawke's Bay shopping street before about five shots were fired, injuring two people.

It's understood the shooting happened during a fight between rival members of the Black Power and Mongrel Mob gangs.

During the fight, a Mongrel Mob member shot at a Black Power member who received a facial injury.

The fight, which involved other weapons, broke out after Black Power learned the Mongrel Mob was holding an event on its turf.

The fight was witnessed by many members of the public.



Police were called to reports of gunfire on Gloucester St in Napier's Taradale on Sunday afternoon.

St John Ambulance spokeswoman Ngaire Jones said two people were taken to hospital. One had serious injuries and the other had moderate injures.

Sky Single, from Taradale 1 Stop Superette, told Stuff he heard a "very big fight" about 100 metres from his shop then four to five gun shots.

"People were scared. They ran into my shop to hide."

The incident happened around a roundabout outside the Taradale McDonald's, he said.

There was a strong police presence, including armed officers at the scene.

Cordons were in place and a scene examination was underway.

People were told to avoid the area.