Masked men use sledgehammer to smash into Christchurch bakery

Police are seeking information after bakery robbery. Photo / File

Two masked men armed with a sledgehammer broke into a Christchurch bakery this morning, the latest in a spate of armed holdups across the city.

The robbers used the sledgehammer to smash through a door of Shirley Bakery on Hills Rd about 1am.

They targeted two tills before leaving the shop after being confronted by a staff member.

The staff member was not injured in the robbery, police said.

Last week, three men in black hoodies and balaclavas robbed Buns Bakery on Ferry Rd at gunpoint.

On Monday morning, armed robbers held up the Embankment Tavern on Ferry Rd at 8.49am and, at 10.25am, O'Sheas bar on Marshland Rd.

Several dairies and takeaway shops across the city have also been targeted in recent months.

Police are investigating this morning's break-in and asking for anyone with any information to come forward.

They say it's not yet clear what the robbers got away with.

The men are described as tall, Caucasian, wearing dark clothes and balaclavas.

Information can be given to Christchurch Central police on (03) 363 7400 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.