'Drunken' bank robber arrested

CCTV captures an alleged bank robber at the downtown branch of the National Bank in Auckland. Photo / NZPA

Police have made an arrest after a central Auckland bank was held up yesterday by a brazen robber who made no attempt to disguise himself.

The man, who wore a beanie but whose face was clearly visible on CCTV images, allegedly walked into the bank about 2.35pm and demanded money from the teller.

The teller handed over the cash to the robber, who did not present a weapon nor threaten to use one, police said.

The offender left with an undisclosed sum of money and headed up Queen St, where he was lost in the crowd.

Police distributed CCTV images of the man to news media around 5pm yesterday and were subsequently tipped-off by a member of the public, Detective Constable Tim Duthie of Auckland CIB said.

A 48-year-old man was arrested at a downtown Auckland address this morning and taken into police custody.

He was allegedly drunk so police were waiting for him to sober up before they interviewed him and possibly lay charges.

- NZPA