Robber forced to flee Auckland bank empty-handed

File photo / NZ Herald

Police are searching for an empty-handed robber after he was chased out of an Auckland bank this morning.

Avondale CIB said a young man with a bandana or scarf covering his face entered an Avondale branch of ASB bank at 10.37am this morning.

The would-be robber then confronted a male customer at the bank with a knife before being chased out of the bank by the customer and a security guard.

The assailant was last seen running down Wingate St wearing a green hoodie, blue jeans and carrying a black bag and a large kitchen knife.

Gurbraad Singh, an employee of the neighbouring Local Liquor store said he saw the robber walking into the bank.

"He looked like a young kid. He was wearing a hoodie pulled down over his face, I thought there was maybe something wrong with his face.

"One or two minutes later I understood why he was covering his face."

Mr Singh said he then saw the security guard and another man chasing the robber down the street.

He said he tried to talk to a couple of women who were working at the bank who he described as regular customers but said they were in "silent mode".

Detective Sergeant Jason McIntosh said the police Eagle helicopter was dispatched as soon as the panic alarm at the bank was pressed.

A police dog squad failed to pick up the man's scent due to the amount of foot traffic in the area.

Police are appealing to the public for more information.