A mother and daughter are now recovering at home after being assaulted yesterday evening (Sunday, 21 February) during a robbery on their dairy.
At least three male youths were involved in the incident which was at the Harper Street Dairy situated at the junction with Kauri Street in Whanganui between 5.10pm and 5.20pm.
The 28-year-old woman was in the shop at the time. As she was assaulted by one of the youths she shouted out, and her 56-year-old mother came into the shop running outside as the youths fled. The younger woman then also went outside to find her mother lying on the ground having also been assaulted.
The two women were taken to hospital where they were treated for their injuries and later released. Police hope to interview them in detail over the next couple of days.
It is not known at this stage exactly what was taken although it appears tobacco was the focus of the robbery.
At this stage descriptions are limited but all three seen were wearing caps and were probably Maori. Two were carrying draw string duffle-style bags and one had a back pack.
It is believed the group ran off through the Braves Ball Park.
Anyone who has any information about this incident is asked to contact Detective James Middleton at Whanganui Police on 06 349 0600.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 06 351 2546 or 027 234 8256.