Police in the Cook Islands are hunting an escaped prisoner after two people were shot.
A media source on the island told NZME tonight the two people who had been shot had died and the alleged gunman was last seen in Nikao.
Cook Islands police said in a media statement that there had been a shooting incident in Titikaveka.
"Two people have been shot," police said, but did not give the their status.
Senior Sergeant Maeva Kirikava told the Herald he couldn't comment on the pair's conditions.
Asked if they were alive, he said: "I can't confirm that."
More information would be released later tonight or tomorrow morning. There was no answer at Rarotonga Hospital.He believed those shot were from the Cook Islands.
Police said they were looking for escaped prisoner Chris Rimamotu of Titikaveka.
"This person is armed and considered very dangerous. We urge members of the public not to approach this person if located," Cook Islands police said.
Comments made on social media indicate those shot are the ex-partner of the escaped prisoner and her current partner.
Another person commented on Facebook that the shootings took place in Vaimaanga and the Wigmore's Superstore was closed down.
More to come.
