Arrest over Christchurch bank robberies

Police early this morning arrested a man they were looking for over two bank robberies in Christchurch this week.

On Tuesday the BNZ in Hereford St was robbed after a man who claimed to have a gun handed a written note to a teller demanding money. The man knocked two people over as he fled the scene.

Yesterday morning the Westpac bank in suburban New Brighton was also robbed under what police said were similar circumstances.

Detective Sergeant Ken Legat this morning said a man was arrested at 1.30am and charged with robbery.

Police were grateful for the assistance of the but were still keen to speak to the two people knocked over outside the BNZ.

The alleged offender is due to appear in Christchurch District Court this morning.

- NZPA