Police have arrested three men in connection with an attempted aggravated robbery of Tinakori Antiques on Tinakori Road in Thorndon this morning.
Two men, one who was carrying a knife and the other a bag, entered the shop at approximately 10.21am and attacked the lone shop owner. A struggle ensued resulting in the shop owner receiving a cut to his hand.
The two men then left the shop without obtaining any property and drove from the area in a dark blue Subaru sedan.
Police were notified and the vehicle involved was seen and pursued by police on the northern motorway from below Ngauranga Gorge. The pursuit ended when the Subaru was abandoned near the Johnsonville Rugby Club and the men left the scene on foot.
A significant number of police staff including general duties, road policing and CIB were involved with cordons and roaming patrols throughout the Newlands area.
Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Borrell says Police received valuable and timely information from many members of the public who had seen men who appeared to be hiding from police and running though residential properties and adjacent scrub.
"This type of assistance is critical in helping police solve crime and was very much appreciated."
One man was located walking near the Johnsonville Rugby Club by a police patrol car.
A police dog and handler found another two men hiding in the Paparangi area above the northern motorway approximately one hour later.
Three men aged 21, 23 and 31 have all been charged with aggravated burglary and assault with intent to rob and will be appearing at the Wellington District Court tomorrow.
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For media inquiries please contact Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Borrell on Tel: 04 381 2000.