This footage shows a New York Police Sergeant breaking up a wild gunfight by firing back at one of the gunners before they flee.

The images were obtained by the New York Police Department (NYPD), along with a statement according to which Sergeant Richard Warkenthien accidentally encountered the shootout taking place in the streets of New York City, in the USA.

One armed suspect – who has not been named – driving a red sedan reportedly stopped in front of a building and fired at a target standing outside.

His unnamed armed target fired back from where he was standing, the NYPD said.

When Sergeant Warkenthien arrived, he shot at the suspect who was firing from outside the building and ran inside immediately after.

And the other gunman reportedly drove off and fled.

CCTV footage shows the moment Sergeant Warkenthien confronts one of the armed suspects, breaking up the fight and causing the large crowd gathered outside to scatter.

NYPD officers were later able to recover the red sedan that was abandoned nearby.

Officers reportedly also searched local hospitals for possible gunshot victims, but none have been found.

The investigation is currently ongoing.