Two robbers, one with a shotgun, fired a shot moments before they fled empty-handed from an east Hamilton tavern last night, possibly leaving a patron with a gunshot wound to the leg, say police.
The pair burst into the East Side Tavern in Hamilton east about midnight as staff prepared to close up and two patrons finished their drinks in the garden bar, said Detective Senior Sergeant Karl Thornton.
The two men demanded money and a shot was fired before they left with nothing. One of the patrons also fled the tavern and later told people he had been shot.
Police were concerned for the man, Mr Thornton said.
After fleeing the tavern following the robbery attempt he was seen in nearby Steele Park by a group of Wintec students heading into town.
He claimed he had been shot and showed them a wound on his upper right leg, Mr Thornton said.
He continued through Steele Park and was last seen heading east down Wellington Street. He was described as Maori, between 20 and 25-years-old, and was wearing jandals and jeans.
Police said it was their priority to find the man and get him treatment if necessary.
- NZPA
Shot fired in attempted Hamilton bar robbery
File photo / Martin Sykes
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