A central city dairy owner was left shaken after an aggravated robbery yesterday lunchtime.
Rotorua detectives are appealing for any information that will help find the man who threatened the owner of Cosmos Superette about 1.15pm. The dairy is on Fenton St on the same block as the Rotorua police station.
Detective Sergeant Tony Colby said the man has been described as possibly part Maori, of medium build and about 170 to 173cm tall. He was wearing a dark-coloured top, grey shorts, converse style shoes and a baseball cap. He was clean shaven with short dark hair.
"He was armed with a metal spanner which he has used to threaten the shop attendant," Mr Colby said.
"There has been a short struggle before the offender has left the store, walking off on Fenton St towards Pukuatua St. He has turned right on Pukuatua St towards the centre of town where witnesses have lost sight of him.
"The shop attendant was shaken by the incident but was fortunate only to receive minor injuries."
Meanwhile, two men have been arrested in relation to an attempted robbery at the Sunset Super Seven dairy on March 26.
Police have charged a 17-year-old and a 23-year-old man with assault with intent to rob. Police have not ruled out further arrests.
Anyone with information about either incident is asked to contact Rotorua police on (07) 348 0099 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on (0800) 555 111.