Burnt car found as gunman goes to ground

Detective Inspector Scott Beard talks with media on top of Mount Eden. Photo / Greg Bowker

The car used by a man who robbed three people at gunpoint on Sunday has been found partially burnt in South Auckland.

The "armed and dangerous" robber is on the run in Auckland after committing three robberies at the Auckland Domain and Mt Eden between 4pm and 5pm on Sunday.

The 2010 blue Commodore SV6 he was driving, which was stolen from a rental company's lock-up compound near Auckland airport earlier this month, was found in Hillstan Place in Onehunga by police just before 7am today.

The car, which had been partially burnt, will be forensically examined and police are appealing to the public for any sightings of the car in Onehunga, Mangere or Hillsborough in the last 24 hours.

"Whoever dumped and burnt the car had to have been assisted to get out of the area, so we're keen to hear from anyone who saw this car travelling in tandem with any other vehicle and people," said detective inspector Scott Beard.

The public has been warned not to approach the man, who first stole from a person leading a tour group at the Domain's Wintergarden Pavilion before he drove to Mt Eden where he accosted a person at the base.

He then confronted a group of Asian visitors at the summit, stealing a handbag before firing the shots when one of the group chased him.

Police have since located five .22-calibre bullets.

The offender was described as being Maori, about 180cm tall with short, dark, curly hair.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 0274 367 561 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

- nzherald.co.nz