Rotorua Police is investigating an aggravated robbery at the Westend Tavern, situated in the Westend Shopping Centre, Old Taupo Road, Rotorua.
At about 12.30 pm today (Thursday, 7 July) a man, armed with a baseball bat, has confronted a staff member in the bar area of the tavern demanding cash.
The staff member did not give up the cash easily and attempted to fend him off.
The offender managed to take money from the till before running from the tavern, across Old Taupo Road and into York Street.
He was pursued by a member of the public who tried to stop him as he got into a white vehicle parked in York Street.
The offender is described as a male Maori or Pacific Islander, about 6ft tall and of fat build. He was wearing a light grey hoodie, creamy coloured trousers, and had his face concealed with a scarf.
Police would like to hear from anyone who may have seen this offender either before or after the robbery. Police are hopeful that someone will have seen him or the vehicle he got into.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Rotorua Police on 07 348 0099. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.