A scene guard is in place and an investigation underway to find those responsible for the aggravated robbery of a Hamilton store that left a shopkeeper in hospital with a gunshot wound to an arm this evening.
Detective Inspector Greg Nicholls of the Waikato CIB said Police were called to the Greenwood St liquor store about 9.40pm.
"The investigation is still in its formative stages right now. What I can tell you at this stage is that we believe two men wearing balaclavas entered the store and confronted the 58-year-old owner who was in the premises with his nephew.
"One of the offenders was armed with a shotgun and the other with a hammer. During the course of the robbery the store owner was shot in the right shoulder and he also suffered a head injury which has left him with a fractured skull."
Mr Nicholls said the man was taken to Waikato Hospital by ambulance and is described as having suffered serious but non-life threatening injuries and Police are yet to speak to him.
The offenders fled the store with a quantity of alcohol and drove off in a waiting car.
"Obviously there are similarities in regards to the robbery of a Grey St store on Thursday night in that a shotgun was discharged in that incident and we are keeping an open mind in regards to if the two robberies are linked.
"The scene will remain guarded overnight and be the subject of a scene examination in the morning."
Mr Nicholls said given that a person has been shot it was important Police located the persons responsible as quickly as possible given the threat they pose to the public.
Anyone with any information on the identity of those responsible is asked to contact Detective Chris McRae at the Hamilton Police Station on 07 858 6200 or they can leave information anonymously on the CrimeStoppers crimeline, 0800 555111.
End
Note to media; a further update is planned after sunrise, no spokesperson will be available on this matter until then.