Petrol station held up with knife

Blenheim police are hunting a man who held up a petrol station early this morning armed with a knife.

The man entered Mobil in Grove Rd about 3.50am, showed a woman behind the counter the knife and then stole less than $200, Detective Constable Kirsten Norton said.

The woman, who was alone, was shaken but unharmed, she said.

A police dog unit had tracked the man but lost his scent.

He was described as Caucasian and about 170cm tall. He was wearing black jeans, a colourful horizontally striped jersey and a black balaclava.

The knife was ornamental and had a dark handle.

The man may have worn a red shirt before entering the store, and discarded clothes after the robbery, Ms Norton said.

Police wanted to hear from anyone who found discarded items or who was in the area between 3.40am and 4am, as well as any residents who saw or heard anything suspicious during the night.

- NZPA