Two men have been arrested after a day-long manhunt in NSW after multiple random shots were fired at motorists early on Thursday.

NSW Police are due to give more details within minutes, after confirming the arrest of two men at Kempsey, on the mid-north coast, about 3.15pm (AEDT).

The Nine Network is reporting the duo was arrested by heavily armed police outside the Big W in Kempsey.

Police continue to investigate if there is any connection between the shootings and a body found nearby.

Schools in the area were locked down as massive police resources were sent to the Port Macquarie region on Thursday as search continued for the men.

“On police advice, as a precaution the two campuses of Hastings Secondary College and seven primary schools locked their gates,” a spokesperson for the NSW Education Department said.

“All students and staff are safe and classes are continuing as normal.

“Parents have been asked to collect their children at the end of the school day.”

Police said multiple shots were fired on Thursday morning from a black Mercedes dual-cab ute on the Pacific Highway at Port Macquarie.

One bullet grazed a passing male motorist at Coolongolook, while more bullets were fired at other cars.

A police vehicle attempting to stop the ute was fired at along Fernbank Creek Road.

Police said there were four incidents along the major north-south artery reported between 1.40am and 5.40am at various locations in the Manning-Great Lakes and Kempsey regions. Separate crime scenes have been established.

The public was warned to be on alert for two men.

NSW Police acting Assistant Commissioner Scott Tanner said a tactical team, fixed-wing aircraft, multiple helicopters and the dog squad were searching for the possibly armed shooters.

He said it remained an active situation.

“It is a concern and that’s why we have plenty of resources around that area at the moment,” he said.

Searches were underway in the Wayne Richards Park area of Port Macquarie after the black ute was found nearby.

Residents living near the park were told to remain inside while the manhunt was underway. A lockdown was not imposed.

“The message to residents in the area is to stay vigilant and report anything suspicious to police via triple-zero,” NSW Police wrote on X.

Tanner said information suggested the incidents were random, with no links evident between the victims.

He said police were still establishing the identity of those in the ute, as well as the type of firearm involved.

“We would ask that the community do not approach any of those persons, but to contact us straight away,” Tanner said.

Police also said a body had been found on Thursday morning on the side of Fernbank Creek Road near the Pacific Highway outside Port Macquarie after a welfare check.

The male victim was found at a different location to where the police vehicle was targeted.

A crime scene has been established and investigations are underway. No link between the death and the shooting incidents has yet been confirmed.

-with AAP