A doorman at an east Auckland bar was so terrified by a large, violent brawl outside - during which a man was shot in the leg - that he locked himself in.
The fight, which police said appeared to be between rival gangs, erupted outside 123 Palm Bar in Pakuranga just after 2am today.
A 123 Palm Bar manager, who is shaken and did not want to be named, said three windows were completely smashed, and a sign was thrown through one of them during the brawl.
He said the bouncer locked himself in for protection, as people involved in the fight tried to force their way in.
The man who was shot is in a stable condition in hospital with serious leg injuries.
Police are appealing for witnesses and any footage of the brawl.