New Zealand diplomat screams for help from window after Paris armed robbery

A New Zealand diplomat was the victim of an armed robbery in Paris's seventh arrondissement.

New details have emerged surrounding the violent attack and robbery of a New Zealand diplomat in Paris, France.

The 34-year-old was the target of a violent robbery in his home on Rapp Avenue in the French capital’s seventh arrondissement on evening Thursday local time.

Two robbers reportedly broke into the man’s home, tied him up, hit him with the butt of a pistol and robbed him of his belongings.

Le Figaro reports that the man freed himself and screamed for help from the window.

The robbers then fled in a car with stolen licence plates. Police reportedly quickly arrived and continued to search for the pair.

Le Parisen reports that the official was “taken into care by local firefighters, the man who was not seriously injured was taken to hospital for treatment”.

A Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson confirmed there was a security incident involving a New Zealand Embassy staff member in Paris.

“The embassy is supporting the staff member involved and is co-operating with French authorities. We are not commenting further out of respect for our staff member’s privacy.”

The embassy is being sought for comment.

According to Le Parisien, there has been a 32% rise in home invasions in the French capital during the past 12 months.

“Between January and May 2024, there were 135 home invasions compared to 102 during the same period in 2023.”