GUNPOINT ROBBERY

A robber covered head to toe in a dark disguise threatened staff and customers with a gun when they confronted him during a night-time raid on a Rotorua bar.

The gunman entered into the Kingsgate TAB, which is part of Cheers Bar on Ward Ave, about 7.30pm on Thursday. The bar is part of Kingsgate Hotel Rotorua.

The robber jumped the counter, opened the TAB till and took off with a small amount of cash.

But when the robber was challenged by two women bar staff and some of the 10 patrons, the robber threatened them with a handgun.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Loper, head of the Rotorua CIB, said when the offender left, about three patrons also tried to chase the person but they lost them in Fenton Park. None of the bar staff or patrons were hurt.

He said the offender was described as skinny and tall but no one could confirm the robber's nationality, age or even whether they were a man or woman.

The robber wore a grey hooded sweatshirt, a blue coloured T-shirt or other material over their face, and dark wrap around sun glasses. The robber was also wearing white gloves.

Police have released security camera pictures to The Daily Post in the hope someone recognises the robber by their clothing.

Kingsgate Hotel Rotorua general manager Blair Chalmers told The Daily Post his staff were "a bit shaken up" but getting a lot of help from Victim Support and the hotel.

"It's never a pleasant situation," Mr Chalmers said.

He said the hotel tightened security last year by installing security cameras.

He would now look at other ways to make sure staff were safe.

Options included better lighting and monitoring of the bar entrances as well as increasing security checks.

The robber entered the bar through a rear door close to the bowling alley and left the same way.

Mr Loper said it was possible there was another person in a car waiting for the robber nearby. Police did not have any evidence the person was responsible for any other crimes.

* CAN YOU HELP?: Anyone with information about the identity of the person should contact police on either 0800 TIP OFF (847 633) or through the main station on (07) 348 0099.