Gunmen may strike again after store robbery

File photo / NZH

Police fear that two men who held up a Hamilton store when a shot was fired could strike again.

The duo, one armed with a saw-off shotgun, burst into the Grey St Bulk Food and Spice Heaven store in Hamilton East last night.

A struggle took place between the store owner and the gunman and a shot was discharged on the floor, Detective Constable Chris Wharton said.

"The offenders were believed to be aged late teens or early twenties and both were wearing masks and hooded sweatshirts," he said.

The two men, who took off with cigarettes, got into a dark grey or silver sedan parked in the driveway of the neighbouring Repco's car park.

"This car was being driven by a third offender which left the scene heading south on Grey St before turning left at the roundabout and heading east along Te Aroha St towards Peachgrove Rd," Mr Wharton said.

"We're concerned about the level of violence displayed in this incident given the fact they were willing to discharge the firearm and the risks to the public of the offenders carrying out similar activities again."

- NZPA