Hamilton Police want the public's help in finding a man who terrorised a mother at gunpoint in her home while her young children slept.
Detective Sergeant Dave Grace of the Hamilton CIB said the woman was working on her computer about 9.30pm on Sunday when a man burst in on her brandishing a handgun.
"It appears he has gained entry to the woman's Puriri St home via a ranch-slider.
"The man has threatened her with a handgun, demanding money and cigarettes before fleeing the property on foot, The victim rang Police straight away but was uncertain what part of her property he left from."
Wearing a beanie down over his eyebrows the offender is described as a male Maori or Polynesian aged between 16-20, clean shaven wearing black sunglasses, a black leather trenchcoat with large round buttons and shorts that went to just below his knees.
Mr Grace said though only a small amount of cash and cigarettes were taken this didn't lessen the degree of stress the woman was put under with a gunman in her house while her children slept.
"We seek the public's assistance in rapidly apprehending this man before he subjects anyone else to this sought of ordeal or does something worse."
Anyone with any information on the identity of the robber or who saw anything suspicious in or around Puriri St on Sunday evening is asked to contact Mr Grace at the Hamilton Central Police Station on 07 858 6200.
Alternatively information can be left anonymously on the confidential crimeline, 0800 Busthem (0800 287843).
End