Christchurch Police are investigating an aggravated robbery at Buns Bakery on Ferry Road.
At 2.40am three men armed with a rifle, hammer and bat, entered the bakery.
The man with the rifle told the staff member to get down while the man with the hammer crossed the counter and attempted to open the till.
The man with the hammer then tried to open the cupboard with the cigarettes while the male with the bat took over trying to open the till.
The man with the rifle continued yelling at the staff member to stay down and to his associates to “hurry up”.
The three men then left the bakery.
No one was injured although the staff members were understandably very shaken by the incident.
It is not yet known whether anything was taken by the men.
The men are described as tall Maori, wearing black hoodies and balaclavas.
Police have cordoned off the bakery and investigations are ongoing.
Police ask anyone with any information to contact Detective Sergeant Leairne Dow at Christchurch Central Police on 03 363 7400. Alternatively, anonymous information may be reported to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre