Watch: Sickening moment motorcyclists knocked off bikes

A video circulating on social media shows the moment two motorcyclists are knocked off their motorbikes as a car with people leaning out its windows goes past.

Initially it was unclear when the footage was filmed.

But police this morning were looking into it as part of their inquiries into a shooting on State Highway 30 near Te Teko, 25km southwest of Whakatake yesterday.

They then confirmed on Saturday night that the video related to an unrelated incident in Hastings late last year.

The person shooting the footage pans back as each motorcyclist is shown tumbling off their motorbikes and on to a grass verge. Several other motorcyclists are also seen in the video.

Police said they are looking into the video after a man with a gunshot wound to his leg went to a home on SH30 about 2.30pm and asked for help, a spokeswoman said.

He was flown to Rotorua Hospital with serious to moderate injuries.

“The man was alleged to have been shot at on SH30 near Te Teko. AOS [armed offenders squad] were alerted as precaution.”

A 25-year-old man has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and was to appear in Whakatāne District Court today, the spokeswoman said.

“Inquiries into the circumstances include inquiries into a video circulating on social media.

Anyone who has information that could help is asked to contact police on 105, quoting file number 210219/2812.”