Fugitive wanted over armed robbery of bar

Police have revealed that a fugitive they describe as armed and dangerous is now wanted over the armed robbery of a Christchurch bar.

Jackson Manson, 28, has been on the run from police since last Friday when he ditched his car in Shirley when police were on his tail. They allegedly found a pistol in the abandoned vehicle.

Late yesterday, police told The Star they had now issued an arrest warrant for Manson for the aggravated robbery of the Sideline Bar in Richmond on November 7.

Patrons were ordered to lie on the floor and a staff member was ordered at gunpoint to open the safe.

The two robbers fled soon after in a car.

Within days one of the robbers was caught by police but the second man has so far eluded them.

A man appeared in court a month ago over the robbery and has been remanded in custody.

Earlier this week Detective Sergeant Chris Power said Manson, a gang associate, had access to firearms and was a risk to the public.

"He should be treated as armed and dangerous," he said.

The Armed offenders Squad has been helping detectives search houses for Manson, though none were raided yesterday.

On Monday, heavily armed AOS members, hit a Dallington house where it was believed Manson may have been hiding out.

An off-duty police officer had seen Manson, but police said had left the address before the AOS arrived.