Nail-gun wielding robber forces elderly women into toilet

Four elderly women have been forced from their card table and into the Devonport Bowling Club toilets by a nail-gun shooting robber who then stole their handbags.

Police say three of the women were preparing for a game of cards about 1.40pm on Friday when the man entered the clubrooms on Auckland's North Shore wearing a balaclava.

"The three women thought the offender was making a delivery but quickly realised the man's intentions were more sinister when his manner became more threatening," a statement from police media adviser Kevin O'Loughlin said.

"One of the group calmly invited the offender to sit down and join them in a game of cards."

The man reacted with abusive language and fired the nail gun, which went into a leaner table near the women.

Mr O'Loughlin said the man then forced the trio into the toilets -- manhandling one of them.

A fourth woman arrived and was also made to go into the toilets.

The women were aged 88, 78, 76, and 72 and are now receiving help from Victim Support.

They stayed in the toilets for 30 minutes until the offender left.

They then contacted police but an area search failed to find the man and police are asking for anybody with information to call them on 09 488 6200.

They are particularly interested in any sightings of the man and ask people in the Devonport area to check their properties for wallets, purses, bags, house keys or credit cards the alleged offender may have discarded.

He is described as Maori or Polynesian, in his early to mid 20s, of slim build and about 180cm in height.

He was carrying an orange or red gas operated nail gun.

- NZPA