A lone barworker was held at gunpoint as thieves robbed a tavern at Mount Maunganui overnight.
Police are calling for help to track down the two offenders who allegedly used a gun to threaten a sole staff member at Cheers Tavern on Owens Place about 1am.
Police said, in a statement just released, that two men forced their way into the bar. One was armed with a firearm and both made off with a sum of cash from the bar.
"It appears that the two males have run from the tavern, crossing State Highway 29A and heading in the direction of Truman Lane, beside Baypark Stadium," said Detective Sergeant Craig Rawlinson of Tauranga CIB.
"The use of a firearm to threaten a lone staff member is extremely concerning and it was fortunate that nobody was badly hurt.
''Somebody in the community will know who was involved and they hold the key to solving the incident."
Tauranga police is appealing for members of the public who have seen any suspicious activity or people in the area to contact Tauranga Police on 07 577 4300.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.