Concern from the ACT party that innocent families will be caught up in the next gang shooting

Gang clashes have accelerated in Auckland and Christchurch, while a Police pursuit in Manawatu on Monday night ended in officers dodging bullets.

Act's Law reform spokesperson Nicole McKee says hardened Australian deportees, known as 501s , have ramped up thuggish behaviour among gangs.

She says gang tensions mean it will just be a matter of time before frontline police and the community are in the firing line.