Police need the New Brighton community’s help to catch an offender who has left a couple badly shaken.
A man entered the couple’s home near the corner of Union St and Mountbatten St just before 2pm this afternoon.
He knocked on their door, a woman answered, and the offender pushed his way into the house while presenting what is believed to have been a dark-handled 20cm steak knife.
The offender demanded money and the woman retreated to the safety of a bedroom to alert her partner and call Police.
Officers and a dog unit arrived within minutes. The offender fled the scene, possibly down Mountbatten St.
A Police dog tracked his trail but then lost it because it’s thought the offender may have escaped by vehicle.
The couple are being supported by Police and comforted by neighbours.
Investigators are asking the community to help them find the perpetrator.
He is about 170cm tall, of medium build and has been described as possibly Maori or Pasifika.
He was wearing a lightweight dark training jacket over a black hoodie, had dark trousers, dark running shoes, and was concealing his face with a pale-coloured scarf.
Anyone with information and/or who operates CCTV in the area is asked to contact Constable Roger Carran via Christchurch Central Police Station on 03 363 7400.
Alternatively, details can be supplied anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
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