Police are appealing for witnesses after an offender managed to flee a pursuing customer following a bank robbery in Hamilton this morning.

Detective Sergeant Dave Grace said a man entered the Hamilton East branch of the BNZ on Grey St about 10.15am.

"Demanding money from the teller he's then fled the bank heading south towards Cook St," said Mr Grace. "Realising what has happened a customer who had been standing in the queue behind the offender has given chase along Grey St but lost him when he turned down an alleyway to the rear of Sacred Heart school."

Mr Grace said Police had interviewed the pursuer and wanted to hear from
anyone else who may have seen the foot chase heading towards Cook Street.

"Our offender is described as a male Maori or Polynesian between 180-185cm tall of medium build wearing a dark top and dark track-pants."

Anyone with any information on the identity of the offender is asked to

contact Detective Dion Bennett at the Hamilton Central Police Station on 07
858 6200.

Please view the full news release online at:

http://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/21391.html

ENDS

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