ROGER MORONEY
A Hastings service station attendant was attacked with a tomahawk during a robbery in Omahu Road early today.
The man was left with what police described as superficial wounds to his head, as well as hand injuries received when he tried to defend himself.
Senior Sergeant Mike O'Leary of the Hastings police said the man had been at the back of the shop, and a colleague whad been in a storeroom, when three men walked into the station about 2am.
Two of the robbers headed for the till area and began helping themselves to cigarettes and other items, while the third man, armed with a tomahawk, made for the attendant in the shop.
The attendant confronted the man and during a brief tussle the attendant was struck on the head.
The second attendant, hearing the commotion, went to investigate and after seeing what was happening immediately set off an alarm.
The offender with the tomahawk threatened the injured attendant and demanded money. He then marched him to another area of the shop and was handed cash.
Police were still unsure how much was handed over but said it was not a large amount.
By this time the other two robbers had already run away. With the alarm raised, police were quickly in the area and dog teams tracked the robbers into the suburb of Camberley. The trio were not found, but the search continued this morning.
The injured attendant was given medical treatment and was resting at his home this morning.
Mr O'Leary said the group were all Polynesian or Maori. One was wearing grey trousers, a black hooded top, a dark jersey and dark bandanna over his face, and dark shoes with white laces.
Another had on dark blue trackpants, a red tee-shirt with large white lettering on the chest, a black sweatshirt over his lower face and a black or grey beanie.
The third was wearing a dark top and pants, red bandanna and beanie and was carrying a green bag.
All three were wearing gloves.
Mr O'Leary said the group had almost certainly cased the service station before making their move, and may have been seen by someone at that time.
Anyone who saw the offenders in the area is asked to contact the Hastings police.
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