Fire and aggravated robbery within minutes of each other

It was a busy evening for Hastings police yesterday as they were called to two serious incidents.

Hastings police and the Fire Service were called to an aggravated robbery at 7.15pm at The Big Barrel off Maraekakaho Rd.

Initial reports were that three people were involved.

The St John Ambulance Service was also called to the scene. Paramedics lifted a male patient into an ambulance as police spoke to a small group of people outside the store.

A St John Ambulance Service spokesperson confirmed a patient had been taken to Hawke's Bay Hospital.

A police spokesperson later said a person working at the store received serious injuries during the robbery and has been taken to Hawke's Bay Hospital.

A District Health Board spokesperson said the patient is in a stable condition.

Earlier, at 7pm, the Fire Service was called to Hastings Police Station after a call was received that a ''small fire'' broke out.

Two fire trucks were called to the scene and firefighters cordoned off Railway Rd and aimed hoses into the building.

A police spokesperson said the fire was ''not major''. The police station was evacuated as a precaution.