Bay police hunt for violent gang man

Violent criminal Ernie O'Neal Paul, believed to have been sighted in Papamoa recently, will appear in the wanted section of television show Police Ten 7 tonight, with police fearful he is a danger to the community.

The last confirmed sighting of Paul was in Murapara but police  received an unconfirmed report of a man, matching Paul's description, in Papamoa in the week leading up to Labour Weekend.

Whakatane Police Senior Sergeant Greg Standen said Paul was wanted on a warrant to arrest for breaching his bail and needed to be found.

"He's a high-risk sort of person to be in the community," he said.

"We really have no idea where he's likely to be, he could be still in the Bay of Plenty, we certainly believe that he's in the upper North Island," he said.

Mr Standen said the prime-time television show, which screens on TV2 at 7.30pm, had proved successful in catching crims across the country. "Generally it is very useful to us."  

Paul is 34 years old, Maori and about 174cm tall. He is of medium build with several highly visible and distinctive Mongrel Mob Rogue tattoos on his face, neck and back.

He has a history of violence and of carrying weapons, including knives and firearms. He should not be approached. 

Anyone who sees Paul or has information about his whereabouts should contact Whakatane Police  on (07) 308 5255.