Aberglasslyn shooting was targeted, police claim

And one of the region's most senior police officers has issued a warning to anyone found to be offering safe haven to three men on the run over the brazen attack, with investigators "exploring potential links" to outlaw bikies.

Detectives have spoken with the 34-year-old man who was shot in the abdomen in the front yard of a home in Aberglasslyn.

The man has undergone surgery and remains in a critical but stable condition in John Hunter Hospital.

READ ALSO:

Police were called Golden Whistler Avenue about 10.45pm after reports of a shot fired.

They found the 34-year-old man wounded at the scene - he was taken to Maitland hospital before being airlifted to John Hunter Hospital.

Police on Wednesday were continuing to comb the crime scene at Aberglasslyn for clues.

A weapon has not yet been recovered.

Port Stephens-Hunter Police District commander Detective Superintendent Chad Gillies said the attack was believed to have been targeted.

Detective Superintendent Gillies said investigators were "exploring potential links to outlaw motorcycle gang members".

He said three men went to the Golden Whistler Avenue home and became involved in a "scuffle" with the 34-year-old, before one of them shot him.

The trio fled the scene in a white Mitsubishi Magna, which was later found burnt-out at Railway Parade, Telarah - a few suburbs away.

Detective Superintendent Gillies said police believed they knew the identity of one of the men and were working to track him down on Wednesday.

"My message to that individual and the other two males involved in the incident is to please hand yourself in at the local police station at the earliest opportunity," he said.

"Anyone that has information and knowingly harbours these individuals is potentially committing a criminal offence."

Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: