Suspects sought in Aranui robbery

Police investing the aggravated robbery of a takeaway store in Aranui on Saturday night are appealing for information to help identify the offenders.

Detective Sergeant Ash Millen says the incident occurred at around 8.15pm on Saturday [1 June] when two men entered Gins Takeaways in Hampshire St, Aranui, armed with knives reported to be similar to meat cleavers.

"One of the alleged offenders jumped the counter and demanded money from the shop assistant while holding the knife above the victim's head.

"The pair made off with a sum of cash and left the scene, running towards Marlow Road."

Detective Sergeant Millen says there were reports of a suspicious grey and white station wagon parked near the corner of Eureka St and Marlow Rd, which was observed leaving the area without lights.

"We would be very keen to hear from anyone who has seen a vehicle of this description in the Aranui area around this time.

"We are also appealing for any information about the two alleged offenders."

Both men are described as European, aged in their mid to late- twenties. One is approximately 167 to 175cm (5ft 6in to 5ft 9in) tall, and of skinny build. He was reported to be wearing a green cap, and a dark coloured hooded jersey.

The second man is believed to be between 175 and 183cm (5ft 9in - 6ft) tall, with black curly hair tied in a pony tail, and wearing a black beanie, black hooded jersey with a zip and small grey logo on the front and baggy blue jeans.

Detective Sergeant Millen says the business's owners, a couple and two daughters, were present during the incident but were not injured. No other customers were in the store at the time.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Constable Paul Wilson on (03) 3637346 or Christchurch police on (03) 3637400.

Alternatively, to provide information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS