Suspects behind an apparent drive-by shooting in the Dunedin suburb of St Clair remain at large.

Police were called about 6am yesterday, after up to six gunshots were fired at a home in Surrey St, residents of the street say.

Detective Sergeant Dylan Ross said the occupants of the house, who were home at the time, were not injured.

Police were at the home, situated between Wycolla Ave and Bay View Rd, late yesterday morning, and their inquiries were continuing.

Police said today there were "no updates'' on the investigation.

A spokeswoman yesterday said the incident appeared to be "targeted" and police did not believe there was a wider risk to the public.

"Anyone who has witnessed suspicious behaviour in the area should contact police immediately," she said.

A Surrey St resident, who did not want to be named, said she was awoken yesterday morning by "four of five" gunshots in quick succession.

"I thought  ‘Oh my gosh, is that fireworks?’," she said.

"It was a bit like crackers, I guess." 

The incident was shocking and she had never heard of anything like it happening in the street before, despite being a long-term resident. It was concerning, particularly following recent reports of dairy robberies in Dunedin, she said.

Another woman who lived on Surrey St said members of her family counted six shots. There had been problems in the area before, and she was uneasy about being in the house by herself.

"It’s getting a bit out of control.

"People are scared.  It’s about their safety," she said.

"Things are not safe anywhere these days, but you don’t want it in your street."

There had been police cars driving up and down during the day, she said. Other residents of the street declined to comment on the apparent shooting,  some saying they had not heard anything unusual.

Police would like to hear from anyone who saw a vehicle that appeared out of place or travelling at speed in the area early yesterday morning.