Patrons overpower armed robber

Two armed men picked the wrong place when they tried to rob Glenbyre Tavern in Christchurch last night.

One of them, carrying a firearm, was overpowered by patrons, while the other, armed with a knife, fled.

Detective Sergeant Leairne Dow, of Christchurch Central CIB, said the incident happened after two men entered the Glenbyre Tavern in Keighleys Road, Christchurch, about 10.45pm.

Present in the tavern at the time were patrons and staff.

"The men told the occupants of the tavern to get down on the floor which they did," she said.

"Staff were able to alert their security company."

In the meantime, the man with the knife was approached by one of the patrons and after an altercation he fled the tavern.

"The man with the firearm attempted to get into the office at the tavern," Ms Dow said.

"He was disturbed by other patrons and discharged the firearm at one of them - narrowly missing."

The patrons wrestled the man to the ground where he police arrested him a short time later.

The man who fled was described as being about 1.65m tall, of medium build and wearing a cap or balaclava and a black top.

Ms Dow said police were appealing for any sightings of the man or anyone who had information about the incident.

- NZPA