Hamilton Police are appealing for witnesses following the robbery of a bank in the west of the City this afternoon.
Detective Sergeant Dave Grace of the Hamilton CIB said the robbery of the Frankton branch of Kiwi Bank took place shortly before 3pm.
"A man has walked into the bank about 2.40pm, approached two female tellers and presented a double barrelled shotgun at them.
"He's then demanded cash be put into some plastic bags on the counter and then left the bank, putting his gun into a green bag he was wearing over his shoulder."
Police estimate the robber was in the bank, on the corner of Kent and Commerce Streets, for about two minutes which would have seemed a long period of time for both staff and bank customers.
"It appears four customers were in the bank at the time of the robbery however one managed to leave and we would like to speak to that person," said Mr Grace.
"Officers are currently reviewing security footage and interviewing staff and other witnesses right now."
All those affected by this afternoon's events are being offered Victim Support.
The offender is described as being a large male of solid build wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt, beanie and dark sunglasses with a black scarf around the lower part of his face and blue jeans.
Mr Grace said Police wanted to hear from anyone who saw a person matching that description either before or after the robbery.
"In this situation we commend the bank staff for complying with the robber's demands to ensure no one was hurt. Given the serious nature of the offence we very much want to hear from anyone with information on who this man may be."
Anyone with any information on the identity of the robber or who saw anything untoward is asked to contact the Hamilton Central Police Station on 07 858 6200.
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