Police in Palmerston North are investigating the aggravated robbery of a dairy.
The incident occurred at Merlene's diary in Featherston Street around 11.45am today (Tuesday, 28 July) when a man entered the dairy and presented a handgun. He then jumped over the counter and grabbed tobacco from a stand before running from the dairy in the direction of Botanical Road chased initially by the male shop owner.
It is not known at this stage exactly what was stolen. The shop owner was shaken but there was no physical assault and no injuries.
The offender is described as Maori or Pacific Island, late teens to mid 20s, solid build wearing white shorts and a dark coloured, hooded top.
Featherston Street was heavy with traffic at the time and anyone who saw anything suspicious or has any information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact Palmerston North CIB on 06 351 3600 or the Crime Line on 0800 808585.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 06 351 2546 or 027 234 8256.