Man stabbed in liquor store robbery

A Napier liquor store worker has been stabbed in the chest during a robbery.

The 35-year-old suffered serious injuries last night and was flown to Wellington Hospital, where he was operated on this morning, Detective Sergeant Emmet Lynch of Napier CIB said.

His injuries were not thought to be life threatening.

The incident happened after two men entered the Mill Liquor Store in Gloucester St, Taradale about 6.30pm.

One started taking liquor from the rear of the shop, while the other, armed with a small knife, accosted the staff member working near the counter, Mr Lynch said.

During a struggle the offender stabbed the worker in the chest and also cut his arm, he said.

Both offenders ran from the store towards Taradale Park.

One offender was described as a Maori of medium build, 35 years-old, about 1.67m tall. He was wearing a dark hoodie, dark pants, and light running shoes.

The other was a Maori of solid build, about 1.82m tall. He was wearing a black T-shirt over a green hoodie and dark shoes with white laces.

Mr Lynch asked residents to check their properties in case the offender dropped the knife.

- NZPA