Women tied up and robbed at netball club, police say

Three women were tied up and robbed after a man allegedly armed with a .22 rifle burst into the Malfroy Netball Clubrooms, Rotorua, yesterday.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Loper, of Rotorua police, said the man allegedly left with one of the group's ATM card and PIN.

An arrest was made after an apparent attempt to withdraw money from the woman's account.

The three women freed themselves and summoned help. They were not physically injured in the incident but were emotionally distressed.

Mr Loper said vigilant members of the public who reported seeing suspicious activity in the area had been the key to police making an arrest.

A 33-year-old man is to appear in Rotorua District Court today charged with several offences including aggravated robbery.

- DAILY POST (ROTORUA)