A man suffered cuts to his hands as he tried to fight off a group of knife-wielding robbers in Napier this morning.
The aggravated robbery happened as the owner of the Meeanee Store was opening up shop for the day's business about 5.30am.
Police said a family member of the owner was confronted by three men armed with knives.
"The family member fought off two of the males, receiving several cuts to his hands," police said.
One of the robbers ran into the store and took several packets of tobacco.
All three offenders then fled to a black sedan parked on Gavin Black St, which was seen driving towards Maltby Street.
Police said the men were possibly aged in their late teens to early 20s.
They were wearing dark clothing, including hoodies and scarves over their faces.
The incident followed an aggravated robbery of the Caltex station on Omahu Rd in Hastings.
Police said two men walked into the petrol station, one armed with a machete, about 2.30am.
They demanded cash and cigarettes from the sole attendant.
After getting a small amount of cash they both got into an unidentified vehicle before leaving the area.
Anyone with any information on either crime is asked to contact Hawke's Bay Police on 06 873 0500 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
