Employee hit with hammer during robbery

A man entered a scrap metal dealership in Cook St, Waipukurau and assaulted a staff member.

An employee at a scrap metal yard was repeatedly hit with a hammer by a robber who demanded cash.

About 1.30pm today a man entered the Waipukurau scrap metal business on Cook St, demanded cash and threatened a staff member with a hammer.

After a short struggle with the staff member, who was hit several times with the hammer, the offender ran away down Cook St towards State Highway 2.

The victim had moderate abrasions to his face and bruising to wrists and ribs. He was treated and discharged.

The offender was described as a male Maori, aged 19 to 20 years, 1.8m and of stocky build.

He was wearing a black hoodie, possibly with white stripes down the sleeves, tight black pants and a woven black scarf covering his lower face. He was also wearing dark sunglasses.

Contact Detective Mike Signal or Detective Constable Damon Horrocks of the Hastings Police on (06) 873 0500 if you have information.