Member of the public stops armed robber in Okaihau

A member of the public stopped an armed robber yesterday afternoon in what police are calling a "brave action by a community minded person".

Police do encourage people to always call 111 in the first instance, however.

Two armed men went into the Okaihau Liquor Store at 2.45pm yesterday, one armed with a stick with a nail in it, the other armed with a 20-30cm long blade knife.

The men had their faces covered, Kaikohe Police said.

"They have taken an unknown amount of cash and the till draw and left the scene," a police spokesperson said.

Nobody was injured, and one of the offenders was seen leaving in a white SUV near the Okaihau dairy, while the member of the public apprehended the other.

"While we would encourage people to always call 111 in the first instance, police acknowledge this was a brave action by a community-minded person," the spokesperson said.

A dog unit from Whangarei tried to track the other offender, but was unable to locate him.

An 18-year-old man will appear in the Kaikohe District Court today charged with aggravated burglary and wilful damage.

Police would like to speak to anyone who saw or picked up someone from Okaihau hill between 3pm and 4pm, and anyone driving a white SUV near the Okaihau area.

CCTV footage has been obtained and is being examined by Police.

Anyone who has any information about the incident is asked to call Kerikeri Police Station on 09 407 9211 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.