Man died after struggle with owner - police

The hole in the wall of the pharmacy building. Photo / NZPA

The man who broke into an Auckland pharmacy died after a struggle with the pharmacist, police say.

Western Area Commander Inspector Jim Wilson said the pharmacy's alarm was activated at 4.30 this morning.

Mr Wilson said a security guard was sent to Gillard Pharmacy, in the Auckland suburb of Mt Albert, where he confirmed there had been a break in and phoned the pharmacist and owner of the business.

Mr Wilson said the pair searched the property but found no-one and the security guard left while the owner, in his sixties, stayed to guard the premises.

"Shortly after that the owner has been confronted by an intruder and a struggle ensued, during which time he has called his wife and asked her to call police."

Mr Wilson said police arrived four to five minutes later. He said police carried out CPR but the intruder was pronounced dead a few minutes after 6am.

He said the intruder was middle-aged but police had yet to identify him.

Mr Wilson said police were still unsure if a weapon had been used.

He said police were investigating whether there had been a break-in at the property and confirmed there was a hole in one of the external walls.

The pharmacist is "being spoken to" by police.

Police scene investigators in white boiler suits have been seen dusting down a lamppost at the rear of the pharmacy, which backs onto the Mt Albert railway line.

A large hole can be seen to the left of the back door.

It appears as if a blunt instrument has been used to smash a hole through the cladding of the building and police detectives have been inspecting the hole.

Police have put a blue tarpaulin over the front window of the shop and inside products can be seen knocked over from display shelves.

Steel steps have been placed on the floor of the shop and it appears they are safeguarding possible evidence which may have been left at the scene by the intruder.

A cabinet of digital cameras does not appear to have been touched.

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