Police seek masked men over daylight robbery

Police question witnesses outside Mo's Bar this afternoon. Photo/Ben Fraser

Rotorua police are looking for two masked men - one who could be armed - who allegedly robbed Mo's Bar and Casino on Tutanekai St in front of startled onlookers this afternoon.

The brazen daylight robbery happened around 1.15pm at the bar and gaming venue in front of a number of restaurants, including Nando's and The Thai Restaurant, on Tutanekai St between Arawa and Pukaki Sts, where people were enjoying lunch.

Rotorua police Senior Sergeant Mike Membury said initial calls were received by bar staff and a member of the public who witnessed the incident.

Mr Membury said police were still looking for the men who left the scene in a green coloured car.

"We are still trying to confirm the vehicle description and Rotorua CIB are investigating."
He said two men, "one with a firearm of some description" entered the bar and asked for money.

He said police were checking CCTV of the area to confirm the descriptions of the men and what sort of vehicle they were driving.

A witness who spoke to the Rotorua Daily Post said he watched the two men leave the bar with masks on the lower half of their faces - similar to a scene from a Wild West movie.

"I thought it looked weird them walking down the street really fast with masks on. They had stuff in their hands, I did not see a gun or anything like that. They jumped into a car and left," the witness said.

When the Rotorua Daily Post arrived about 20 minutes later staff saw police interviewing bar staff and patrons outside the venue.