Youths arrested for Gull robbery

Three boys aged 13, 14 and 15 have been arrested after they allegedly wielded knives while robbing Whangarei's Gull Service Station in Raumanga.

It was one of two incidents within hours in the suburb, both involving armed offenders.

Police were called to the Gull robbery at 9.45pm on Thursday after three youths allegedly entered the store armed with a baseball bat and knives and threatened the attendant before making off with the cash register.

The 13 and 15-year-old were arrested soon after a short distance from the station. A third boy was arrested later that night at a nearby address in conjunction with the crime, but police were still seeking another suspect.

The 13 and 15-year-old were in Whangarei Youth Court yesterday on charges of aggravated robbery.

Detective Senior Sergeant Dene Begbie said the arrests were made following "swift work" from police in the area. There had been a strong police presence in Raumanga from about 6pm Thursday, when a neighbourly altercation needed the attendance of armed officers.

Acting Senior Sergeant Stephanie Hudson said it appeared some Kahiwi St residents had asked their neighbours, who were drinking, to turn the music down at which point a person at the noisy address allegedly pointed a gun at them.

Sergeant Hudson said police located a firearm at a neighbouring property, but no arrests had been made and inquiries were ongoing.

Road blocks were in place around Raumanga until about 8.30pm. Neighbours took to Facebook to express their dismay at the quick succession of the two incidents.