Police investigating an aggravated robbery in Palmerston North last night (Tuesday, 9 November) want to trace a woman who may have vital information about the vehicle used by the offender to leave the area.
The robbery happened around 7.05pm at Seddon Street Food Market, Palmerston North. The offender entered the store and when the proprietor went to serve him the offender pointed a firearm at him and instructed him to sit on the floor.
The offender then hit the proprietor around the back of the head and left empty-handed as an audible alarm sounded.
The victim chased the offender out of the store along Montrose Place and left into Manchester Street. Just before the intersection with Aberdeen Avenue the offender got into the passenger seat of a parked car described as a reddy brown colour, believed to be a hatchback.
The victim was then approached by a woman in a car who asked him what was going on. He asked her to follow the offender's car. She did then returned briefly to speak to the victim before leaving again.
Police are asking the woman who followed the offender's vehicle to come forward. They also want to hear from anyone who was in the area and saw the offender or the vehicle and its waiting driver.
The offender is described as a European man of medium build wearing a dark coloured hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans.
Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Gary Milligan at Palmerston North Police on 06 351 0600. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.