Police identify Picton pub robber

Police believe they know the identity of a man who held a Picton publican at knifepoint and robbed his safe and tills on Tuesday.

About 10.20pm on Tuesday, Crow Tavern publican Nigel "Noddy" Robertson was closing up when a balaclava-wearing man came up and held a large knife to his throat, the Marlborough Express reported.

"He said he would kill me. I could only see his eyes."

The man made Mr Robertson disarm the alarm, go into his office, unlock the safe and hand over the money.

He then emptied all the tills, tried to lock Mr Robertson in the office and ran off.

Police dogs tracked him to a nearby service station but then lost the scent.

Police said it was possible he had parked a car near the station.

Detective Richard Rolton told NZPA police were following firm leads and the robber had left items at the pub which had helped identify him.

The man police had identified was not wanted in connection with any other crimes, Mr Rolton said.

Police believed he may have left town but hoped to find him in the next few days.

Mr Robertson was shaken by the incident but otherwise fine, Mr Rolton said.

He would not specify the amount of money taken from the pub.

The robber was described as 160 to 180cm tall, of athletic build, and wearing dark grey and black clothing. He was possibly in his 20s.

- NZPA