Three people have been arrested following the robbery of a community dairy where a man inside was allegedly struck with a metal bar.
Police were called to Matua Dairy on Levers Rd at 6.21pm yesterday, when initial reports suggested a weapon had been used.
A small amount of tobacco was stolen but later recovered by police.
Tauranga police Detective Senior Sergeant Alan Kingsbury said the arrests came within 10 minutes of the robbery happening, thanks to a tip off from the community.
The three men, aged 17, 18 and 27, are expected to appear in Tauranga District Court this morning on a joint charge of aggravated robbery. Police were still investigating an allegation a man working inside was struck with a metal bar.