Police are appealing for sightings of the silver Subaru Forester station wagon, registration FUU396, that was used by the men to escape. Photo / Supplied via police
Police are appealing for sightings of the silver Subaru Forester station wagon, registration FUU396, that was used by the men to escape. Photo / Supplied via police
A shot was fired during an aggravated robbery at a bar in Christchurch last night, with the two armed men fleeing in a stolen car.
Police are now on the hunt for the pair, who entered Phoenix Bar in Papanui about 10pm and confronted staff and patrons at closing time.
One of the men is understood to have been armed with a gun and the other man with a screwdriver, Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Cottam of Canterbury Police said.
A scene examination is being carried out today and police are appealing for sightings of the silver Subaru Forester station wagon, registration FUU396, that was used by the men to escape.
Police are seeking help identifying this man. Photo / Supplied via police
The bar's duty manager was forced to open a safe, removing a small amount of cash, and a gun was discharged during the robbery.
Detective Senior Sergeant Cottam said this was of "huge concern" as it put innocent lives at risk.
"While no one was physically injured during this incident it was an extremely traumatic event for the staff and patrons who were in the bar at the time and they are being supported by police and Victim Support," he said.
"Everyone has a right to be safe and feel safe and this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated."
The Subaru car was stolen from a public parking area on Riccarton Ave earlier that day, around 3pm.
Police are seeking help identifying this man. Photo / Supplied via police
Police are now urging anyone who saw the car, or has any information about the robbery, to contact the Metro Crime 5 team at Christchurch Central Police Station on 03 363 7400.
Police can also be contacted anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-nz.org.
The public, and businesses that handle cash, are also being asked to be extra careful in the lead up to the busy holiday period.
Police said this was especially the case for bars and dairies and any suspicious behaviour should be reported straight away.
