A HOUSE fire in Tāneatua is believed to be connected to an earlier shooting that critically injured a person in neighbouring Rūātoki, police say.

Police went to a Te Tawa Road property in Rūātoki after reports of gunshots following a gang-related disorder about 4.20pm on Saturday.

One person was flown to Waikato Hospital with “injuries consistent with a gunshot wound”, where he remains in a critical condition.

A 44-year-old man was later arrested and appeared in the Whakatāne District Court on Monday charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm in relation to this incident. He is due to reappear in court today.

Later on Saturday evening, around 8pm police went to a Howell Road property in Tāneatua where firearms had reportedly been discharged before a property was set alight.

The alleged offenders left the scene prior to the police arriving; however, police are following lines of enquiry in relation to the incidents, and believe the arson and earlier firearms events are connected.

No injuries were reported from the fire.

Brigades from Tāneatua, Whakatāne, Edgecumbe, Ōhope and Kawerau attended the blaze, working to put the fire out from 8.30pm to midnight.

Taneatua brigade chief Laurence Richardson said when they arrived, the house was fully involved.

The house was a “total write-off".

“Thanks to the neighbouring brigades, and to the community for understanding. Smoke alarms save lives,” Mr Richardson said.

Police have reassured the community there is not believed to be any threat to public safety, and enquiries have led them to believe these incidents involve a specific group of people.

If you witnessed the incident or have any information that may assist police in their investigation that you have not yet reported, contact police.

Anyone with information that could help with inquiries can update update police online or call 105.

Use the reference number 241013/9006.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.