Hamilton shopkeeper hit with hammer in robbery

A shopkeeper was attacked and robbed at his dairy on Cambridge Rd.

A shopkeeper was hit with a hammer as three men robbed a dairy this morning.

Senior Sergeant Charles Burgess said three men confronted a shopkeeper as he opened the door of Hillcrest Minimart in Cambridge Rd, Hamilton about 5am.

One of the men hit the shopkeeper with a hammer while his associates stole tobacco products from the store.

The man sustained head injuries in the attack, including a significant eye injury, and was taken to Waikato Hospital by ambulance, Burgess said.

Police, including a dog unit, soon established the offenders had left in a vehicle from a nearby carpark on Cambridge Rd.

Burgess said police were hoping members of the public might be able to provide information to help find the perpetrators.

Burgess called it a "violent attack on an innocent shopkeeper".

A scene examination was being carried out at the shop today and police were ensuring the victim was supported.

Call Hamilton police on 07 858 6200 or anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you have information.