Man in Halloween mask attempts petrol station robbery

A man disguised in a Halloween mask and armed with a sawn-off shotgun attempted to rob a Masterton service station yesterday.

The man entered the Caltex Station in Solway about 9.35pm, Detective Sergeant Barry Bysouth said.

He levelled the firearm at the teller and demanded cash, but left the property without any items after being confronted.

Police have released CCTV images from the store in the hope of identifying the man who was described as about 165cm tall and, along with the mask with long grey hair attached, was wearing blue three-quarter length hunting type fleece with a V-neck, black trousers and black shoes with white soles.

"This sort of threatening behaviour is thankfully rare in our area," Mr Bysouth said.

"We are following positive leads and hope that with the public's assistance we can resolve this matter quickly.

"I would encourage people to look at the images carefully and talk to their friends. If you recognise the man in the photo or have seen any of these items he is wearing to make contact."