A Waikato gang member with distinctive facial features is wanted by police in relation to a violent standoff earlier this week.

Shannon Quintinn Watene has six warrants for his arrest.

Shannon Watene is wanted in relation to a violent standoff.

Detective Senior Sergeant Carl Moon says Watene is wanted in connection to an incident in Melville about 4pm on Monday where the occupants of an address were confronted by three males believed to be members or associates of the Mongrel Mob.

'Violent threats were made and the situation deteriorated to the point where firearms were presented at the victims, however the offenders fled when Police were called.”

Carl says some good initial inquiries by responding police identified two properties of interest and as a result, officers supported by members of the Waikato Armed Offenders Squad searched two homes in the suburb of Fairfield yesterday.

'One address was on Balloch Street and the other on Tennyson Avenue. As a result of our enquiries firearms were recovered and two men were arrested.

'Those two men, aged 18 and 48-years-old, are appearing in the Hamilton District Court on assault with intent to rob, unlawful possession of firearms and participating in an organised criminal group charges.”

While happy to have made these arrests, Carl says it is imperative Watene was located and the public is warned not to approach him.

Watene is described as a male Maori, 178cm tall of medium to muscular build with distinctive tattoos on the top half of his face.

Watene is a patched Mongrel Mob member with an extensive and violent criminal history.

'Obviously Police are taking Monday's incident very seriously and we warn the public that Watene should not be approached and anyone seeing him is urged to contact 111 straight away,” adds Carl.

Anyone with information on Watene's whereabouts is asked to contact Hamilton Central Police Station on: 07 858 6200.

Alternatively, information can be left anonymously with the independent Crimestoppers on: 0800 555111.