Two arrested over pub robbery

A man and a woman have been arrested following the aggravated robbery of a Picton publican 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 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.

A 23-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman were arrested late yesterday and would appear in Blenheim District Court today, Detective Richard Rolton said.

The man was charged with aggravated robbery, while the woman was charged with being an accessory after the fact.

Mr Rolton said some of the money taken in the robbery had been recovered, and police were pleased to have located the offenders.

He yesterday told NZPA the robber had left items at the pub which had helped identify him.

- NZPA