Police worry for public safety as armed robber still on run

Tauranga police are concerned for public safety as an armed and "extremely dangerous" bank robber remains on the run.

Two tellers at the Westpac branch in Cherrywood, a suburb of Tauranga, were held up at gunpoint when the man robbed the bank at 3.15pm on Tuesday.

The robber then attempted to hijack cars outside the bank, punching an elderly man and threatening him with a gun.

The robber, who was wearing a black balaclava and red or orange overalls, eventually fled in a woman's car.

He abandoned the vehicle in the Tauranga suburb of Otumoetai.

Police said the man was last seen running towards Ridge Road.

Officer in charge Detective Sergeant Lew Warner said the man was extremely dangerous and they were hoping members of the criminal fraternity, in particular, who would know this offender will provide information.

"It is clear from witness accounts that the offender appeared to be affected by drugs or alcohol or both," Mr Warner said.

He said he was concerned by the erratic behaviour and degree of violence used towards the elderly.

Witnesses said the robber appeared to be "pumped up" but it was too early to say if he was under the influence of drugs.

The man is described as European, with a skinny face, about 1.8m tall, with dark hair tied in a ponytail or bun.

He was armed with a revolver, but no shots were fired in the incident.

The robber was also carrying a black sports bag when he left the bank with a small amount of cash.

Police want to speak to anyone who may have been in the Cherrywood or Otumoetai areas who had seen the robber, the getaway vehicle or other suspicious activity.

- NZPA