Police are investigating two aggravated robberies that took place in Whangarei last night.
The first incident took place about 6.30pm at the Onerahi Foodmart when two men entered the store armed with weapons.
Detective Senior Sergeant Dene Begbie said the offenders demanded money and cigarettes from the two store owners, a man aged 29 years and woman aged 22 years. The woman handed over the items and then one of the offenders struck the man with a weapon.
Both offenders have left the store. The male victim was taken to Whangarei Hospital with a head injury and was discharged this morning.
Mr Begbie said in the second incident a 36-year-old man was walking through Forum North carpark about 9pm when he was assaulted by four men who demanded money from him.
Following the assault the victim stumbled to the Whangarei Women’s Club in Rust Avenue.
The club’s members called Police and St John Ambulance.
The victim is in Whangarei Hospital in a stable condition.
Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the aggravated robberies in Onerahi and the Forum North carpark or who may have seen any suspicious activity in these areas around the time of the two incidents.
Anyone with information can call Whangarei Police on 09 430 4500 or if they want to remain anonymous they can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
For media inquiries contact Northland Police Communications Manager Sarah Kennett on 09 945 4650 or 021 192 1099.