Most wanted manhunt in NSW scaled down

Police in NSW have scaled down their search for two of Australia's most wanted men, who allegedly opened fire on officers near Wagga Wagga, triggering the massive manhunt.

Convicted criminals Gino Stocco, 57, and his son Mark, 35, had been on the run for eight years when police stopped them in a four-wheel drive on Friday afternoon.

The pair allegedly opened fire at officers and were pursued for a short time before police abandoned the chase.

The duo allegedly shot at officers again when they were spotted near an intersection in Mangoplah a short time later.

A massive search for the fugitives - wanted for a string of violent offences - was scaled down on Saturday.

The silver Nissan Navara in which the pair were travelling was reportedly abandoned on a property near Wagga Wagga.

The men are believed to be armed and police have urged the public to not approach them.