'Bulging-eyed' bandit holds up shop

A "bulging-eyed" bandit armed with a sawn-off shotgun robbed a Wainuiomata shop this morning.

A Lower Hutt CIB spokesman said police were investigating the aggravated robbery of a shop outside Waimuiomata Mall on Queen Street between 7am and 7.30am.

Police were called after a man armed with a sawn-off shotgun demanded money from the shop owner.

He left the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash and headed toward the New World carpark.

The spokesman said the offender was described as a Maori in his late twenties or early thirties, of medium build, with short dark hair and about 1.9m tall. He was wearing a blue bandanna over his face and dark clothing.

"He is described as having very distinctive bulging eyes," the spokesman said.

Police want anyone who can help identify the man to contact Lower Hutt CIB on (04) 560-2600 or 0800 TIP OFF (817 633).

- REUTERS