Taranaki robbery victim chases armed offender

A Challenge petrol station sign. Photo / File

A Taranaki petrol station attendant chased a would-be robber away this morning, despite being threatened with a knife.

A man with a knife allegedly threatened the worker at Challenge Spotswood Service Station at 6.15am today, said police.

The attendant chased the offender through the South Rd forecourt and the nearby Spotswood College grounds after an "altercation".

The offender was last seen on Belair Ave. He is described as tall and slim, wearing a dark-coloured hoodie, white gloves and carrying a blue duffel bag.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Aro said the attendant was brave, but it was generally a bad idea to fight armed offenders.

"The people who work in service stations, dairies and other similar places can be put in danger because of the selfish actions of those who think they can take what they want.

"In this instance, the attendant was able to provide police with a positive line of inquiry to identify the offender, while still avoiding harm.

"However, we'd remind anyone subject to an incident of this nature to seek safety and to call police immediately.

• Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Sergeant Yates at the New Plymouth Police Station on (06) 759 5500 or anonymous tip line Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.