Christchurch dairy employee struck with hammer during robbery

The worker was taken to Christchurch hospital with minor injuries. File photo

A Christchurch dairy employee was struck with a hammer to the face during a robbery early this morning.

Blood was streaming from the man's head after he sustained a bad cut to the nose.

He was taken to Christchurch hospital with minor injuries at 6.30am.

Bhavesh Patel who owns the dairy, told Fairfax his employee was hit with a hammer during the attack. He also said the masked men took off with an unknown amount of cigarettes and cash, along with the till drawer.

Shortly after the dairy opened, Detective Elliot Western said two disguised men entered the One Stop Convenience Store on the corner of Breezes and Pages roads in Aranui.

It is believed the robbers took off on bicycles and went in the direction of Wainoni Road.

Police want to hear from people who were in the area at the time or who have been offered cheap or free cigarettes.

Anyone with information can contact Christchurch Police on 03 363 7400, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.