Police are investigating an aggravated robbery at the BP Service station on Main Street, Palmerston North.
At approximately 9-15pm last night a man entered the premises, approached the counter and presented a knife at the sole attendant on duty.
He has then demanded tobacco and cash.
The attendant handed over some tobacco and a quantity of cash which the offender has placed into a hat that he took off a rack inside the shop.
The offender has then left on foot and gone in the direction of Victoria Avenue.
The shop attendant was shaken but unharmed as a result of the robbery.
Police praise the actions of the attendant, who remained calm, took notice of everything that the offender was doing and then observed what he did afterwards. This has been of great assistance to the investigation team.
The offender is described as being in his early 30s, Caucasian, about 5ft 10, unshaven, with light coloured hair.
He was wearing a dark coloured beanie and dark long sleeved top.
He would have been carrying another hat in his hands.
A scene examination has been completed this morning and CCTV footage is being reviewed.
Police are interested in speaking to anyone who was travelling in the area of Main Street/Victoria Avenue around 9-15pm to 9-30pm who saw a man walking in the area fitting the description given.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant David Thompson at Palmerston North Police Station, on (06) 351 3600.
Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online http://www.crimestoppers-nz.org/
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Police Media Centre.