Three New Zealand cops shot down

Wellington: At least three police officers were shot at on Wednesday in New Zealand near Kawerau district, a media report said.

The officers were airlifted to hospital where they were being treated for their injuries, New Zealand Herald reported.

The Armed Offenders Squad, a specialist unit of the New Zealand Police designed to cordon, contain and appeal to armed and dangerous offenders, was at the scene and the area was cordoned off, police said.

St. John central communications spokesman Mark Tregoweth said: "Police are leading the operation so we've been told to direct all media queries to them."