Machete used in takeaway robbery attempt

Police are hunting three people who last night tried to rob an Auckland takeaway store, armed with a rifle and machete.

Two men entered the Diamond Horse in Mangere Bridge about 10.15pm as staff were about to close up.

Brandishing the weapons, they demanded money but were unable to get the till open, a police spokeswoman said.

They left the shop empty handed and got into a white car which was waiting on McIntyre Road with a third person behind the wheel.

Police today appealed for witnesses faring that the trio could strike again and someone could be hurt.

The two men who entered the shop were described as Maori or Polynesian.

The first was fat, aged 20-25 and wore a green bandanna over his face. The second was aged 15-20 and wore a red bandanna. They both wore black gloves.

- NZPA