Dairy robbed at gunpoint

A man armed with a pistol raided a tobacco stand at a Palmerston North dairy this morning.

Police central region spokeswoman Kim Perks said the robbery happened at Merlene's dairy in central city Featherston St about 11.45am.

After entering the shop brandishing the pistol, the man leapt the counter and helped himself to tobacco.

The shop owner was shocked, but not physically assaulted, and initially gave chase as the robber left and ran towards Botanical Rd.

The man was described as Maori or Pacific Island, late teens to mid 20s of solid build and wearing white shorts and a dark, hooded top.

Police urged anyone who saw suspicious activity in the area to contact them.

- NZPA