Knife-wielding man holds up service station

Photo / File / Jimmy Joe

A knife-wielding man made off with a bag of cash after holding up a Hastings service station last night.

Police said an unaccompanied man demanded money from an employee at the Mobil Windsor service station on Heretaunga St about 9.30pm.

When the attendant returned behind a counter, the man drew a knife and demanded the employee fill a bag with money. The employee complied and put an unknown amount of cash in the bag.

Police said the offender then fled on foot down Heretaunga St in the direction of the intersection of Madison and Princes streets.

The victim was unhurt and speaking to police, who were providing support.

Police said the offender was described as a solidly built man, about 1.7m tall with light-coloured skin.

He was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with a bandanna across his face. He had black trousers and footwear and was carrying a green or khaki knapsack.

Police are asking anyone who might have been in the area at the time, or who may have information about the crime, to contact Hawkes Bay Police on (06) 837 0500 or Crimestoppers, confidentially, on 0800 555 111.