Child, 13, admits toy gun robbery

A 13-year-old child has admitted committing the aggravated robbery of a Palmerston North dairy on Tuesday.

Palmerston North police interviewed the child today, and an imitation Glock pistol was recovered.

Police central region spokeswoman Kim Perks said the child would be referred to the Youth Aid section.

On Tuesday Ms Perks said that a man armed with a pistol raided a tobacco stand at Merlene's dairy in Featherston St about 11.45am.

After entering the shop brandishing the pistol, the man leapt the counter and helped himself to tobacco.

The shop owner was shocked, but not physically assaulted, and initially gave chase as the robber left and ran toward Botanical Rd.

The man was described as Maori or Pacific Island, late teens to mid 20s, of solid build and wearing white shorts and a dark, hooded top.

Ms Perks said today the robbery had been solved with the help of the public.

- NZPA