BY IAN CROUCH
A man is in a critical condition in hospital after a shooting incident at Aberglasslyn overnight.
Emergency services were called to a property on Golden Whistler Avenue at about 10.45pm on Tuesday where they found a 34-year-old man with a gunshot wound to his abdomen.
He was initially taken to Maitland Hospital before being airlifted to the John Hunter.
Police have been told the victim was outside the home when he became involved in an altercation with three men and was shot.
The trio fled in a white Mitsubishi Magna which was later found on fire in Railway Parade, Telarah.
A police spokesperson says it's believed the men are known to each other, and it was a targeted attack.
Hunter Valley Police District, Superintendent Chad Gillies says one suspect is known to police.
''We are now trying to identify where that person is at, and my message to that individual and the other two men involved in the incident is to please hand yourself in."
"Anyone that does have information and knowingly harbors these individuals is potentially committing a criminal offence".
Authorities are investigating potential links between the incident and outlaw motorcycle gangs.
"It's always a major concern...when people have unauthorized fire arms in their possession, they're carrying them in a public place...and the potential for fatal consequences or serious injuries is high," Supt. Gillies says.
"So it's really important for us to identify where these three offenders are and also securing that firearm."
Anyone with information is urged to contact police or crime stoppers, and members of the community are urged not to approach the offenders.
