Bailed man arrested minutes later after hold-up

A man released on bail for a minor burglary charge yesterday from Hamilton District Court was arrested minutes later after a service station hold-up.

The arrest came after an unarmed 24-year-old walked into the Shell Service Station on Pembroke St about 4.30pm, and allegedly assaulted the attendant and demanded money.

Another employee came to the attendant's aid and they held the man until police arrived. Police said the man did not resist or try to run away.

The attendant was unharmed and the service station re-opened last night.

Hamilton police sergeant Phil Bell said the man told police he wanted money.

Police want to speak to anyone who may have seen a man acting suspiciously near the service station around the time of the incident.

The man was to appear in Hamilton District Court today charged with assault with intent to rob.

- NZPA