A pair of robbers - one disguised in a shark onesie - has held up a petrol station in Canterbury. Photo / Supplied via Police
A pair of robbers - one disguised in a shark onesie - held up a petrol station in Canterbury early this morning.
Police say two men threatened staff with a hammer and a knife before fleeing with a stash of lollies at the Rolleston BP on Main South Rd at about 2.20am.
Both had concealed their identities to carry out the early morning heist.
"They were on foot and wearing disguises. One was dressed in a shark onesie," said a police spokesman.
The second man was in a hoodie.
The pair smashed a glass shelf as a terrified attendant fled into a back staff room.
He said the pair then proceeded to stuff a bag with an unknown quantity of lollies before fleeing on foot.
The spokesman said the incident was traumatic for the two staff who took refuge in a room at the station.
Following the incident police searched the area but failed to find any trace of the robbers.
Police were now examining CCTV footage to identify the heavily disguised pair.
Both are described as average height and build.
One was wearing a blue and white shark onesie, a grey cap, black gloves and socks and had a dark blue bandana covering his face.
The other was wearing a black, hooded sweatshirt, black rugby shorts, a black baseball cap, sunglasses and a blue bandana over his face.
Police would like to hear from anyone who may be able to identify these men or may have seen people wearing these clothes in the area.
Anyone with information was asked to contact Christchurch Police on 03 363 7400.
The shaken staff were being supported by Victim Support and station management.
A BP spokeswoman praised the attendants saying their actions avoided anyone being injured.
"Our team did a fantastic job and followed the correct process and we are extremely pleased that no one was harmed," she said.
"We are, of course, working closely with our staff to provide them with support as a result of the incident."
The victim was dragged when she tried to retrieve her handbag as her assailant drove away.