Man stops attempted machete robbery

Arwinda Singh wrestled a machete off a man who tried to rob Value Liquor Limited in Putaruru last night. Photo / Supplied

A man with a machete tried to rob the Value Liquor store in the Waikato last night, but a staff member grabbed the weapon.

Harsh Gupta was working with his friend Arwinda Singh when a man came in with a covered face and a big machete.

The offender put the machete to Mr Singh's neck then threw a bag to Mr Gupta and told him to "put all the money in it".

Mr Gupta said the man told him three times to put the money in the bag, but he refused every time.

Mr Singh said this scared him.

"We did not give the money. But suddenly, I grabbed the machete," Mr Singh said.

Mr Gupta said his friend grabbed the front of the machete, cutting his thumb, then pushed the offender backwards while Mr Gupta came out from behind the counter.

"He realised it wasn't going to happen today so he just ran away," Mr Gupta said.

The attempted robbery happened on Arapuni St in Putaruru, about 50km north-west of Rotorua.

Medics treated the Mr Singh at the scene for a minor hand injury.

The offender is believed to be in his teens or early 20s and is described as short and stocky, 168cm tall. He was wearing a sleeveless black jacket, black cap and white shoes. He was last seen running onto Glenshea St.

Police want anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the area to contact Putaruru Police on 07 883 8199.

Information can also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.