Armed robbery in Hamilton

An man pointed a gun in a Kiwibank teller's face and demanded money in Hamilton.

The robbery happened just before midday in the Hamilton suburb of Hillcrest.

Detective Sergeant Karl Moon said the bank staff did the right thing and handed over money.

"We're currently waiting the downloading of security footage however at this stage it appears a sole male offender entered the bank armed with a handgun and confronted bank staff.

"He was described as highly aggressive and pointed the firearm in the face of a female teller before demanding money and fleeing the bank on foot with a yet to be determined sum of cash."

Mr Moon said the staff gave little opportunity for the offender to be drawn into any confrontation.

"We ask people confronted by such situations to comply with the offenders demands, money and materials can be replaced where as lives can't, if you find yourself faced by such a threat do as the offender says and record details which Police can follow up later," said Mr Moon.

He said police want to hear from anyone who may have noticed a man acting suspiciously near the Hillcrest shops before the robbery or who may have noticed someone running towards State Highway One or the area near the Hillcrest Primary School shortly after midday.

Anyone with any information on the identity of the offender is asked to phone Mr Moon at the Hamilton Central Police Station on (07) 858 6200.

- NZ HERALD ONLINE