Gunman foiled by staff and patrons while trying to rob South Auckland bowling complex

Police say a man armed with what appeared to be a pistol tried to rob the SuperStrike Manukau Ten Pin Bowling Centre on Great South Rd today. Photo / Google

A man with a gun tried to rob a South Auckland ten pin bowling complex this morning.

The Herald understands the man demanded money from staff at the complex, located on Great South Road, and when they refused, he left.

Police were alerted at 11.15am.

They said a man armed with what appeared to be a pistol pointed it at a staff member at a ten pin bowling alley and demanded money.

A police spokeswoman said that about 11.10am today, a man entered the SuperStrike Manukau Ten Pin Bowling Centre on Great South Rd.

He demanded the staff member hand over money from the cash register.

He was deterred by the staff member and other patrons and ran from the premises into an awaiting vehicle.

The vehicle was recovered a short distance away but the man is still to be located, the police spokeswoman said.

The Counties Manukau Crime Squad is investigating.