Police seeking to locate masked male involved in armed robbery

Just before midday today a male wearing a mask has entered the Tawa Branch of the BNZ, on Oxford Street, with a shotgun and demanded cash. The staff have complied and handed over a small amount of money while contacting the Police.

There were no customers in the store at the time and the man has left the store and got into a dark blue 1996 Mazda Astina 323, registration UI4189, which Police have located a short time later abandoned nearby. This vehicle has been secured and a forensic examination will be undertaken later today.

Detective Senior Sergeant Warwick McKee says "Our focus is on identifying and locating this man as soon as possible. While we don't know if the weapon was loaded, the potential for someone to be badly hurt was certainly there. An investigation has been launched and we are already following some very promising leads."

"We are appealing to the public for any assistance they can provide as witnesses to the robbery or if they have any information about the person shown in the CCTV images from the bank. The bank tellers who were confronted by the man are being offered support and are being interviewed by Police."

The male was of medium height and wearing a red hooded sweatshirt with dark coloured pants. The mask had long black hair attached with a Halloween-type red disfigured face.

Anyone with any information should contact the Wellington District Crime Squad on (04) 381 2077. Anonymous information can also be provided to the Crimestoppers organisation on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

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