Hamilton woman threatened during robbery

Hamilton Police are appealing for those involved in the attempted robbery of a female hospital worker overnight to come forward.

Detective William Loughrin said three men approached the 49-year-old woman as she left work and walked to her car parked adjacent to Waikato Hospital's helipad shortly after midnight.

Mr Loughrin said one of the trio, described as a Maori of "fat build" aged 16-17 years, accosted the woman and demanded she give him her handbag.

"Our victim has refused initially but has then dropped her bag as a distraction allowing her to make it to her car and lock herself in it where she then began hitting her horn to draw attention to the attack."

Mr Loughrin said initially the two other offenders were egging their friend on but when the woman began beeping the horn the pair fled, leaving the larger man, who continued to threaten the woman as she started her car.

"Obviously this is a stressful experience for our victim who it would be fair to say, was terrified by her ordeal," he said.

"We would ask that anyone who witnessed this event take place or who may have information on the identities of the attacker to come forward. But more importantly, we're asking that the two males initially involved in the incident to come forward and make contact with Police."

Waikato District Health Board chief executive, Craig Climo, expressed his concern about the attack.

"Any incidents of this nature are concerning and we urge the public and other staff members who may have seen or heard something to come forward," Mr Climo said.

"We have systems in place to ensure staff working shift work have an expectation of safety. My thanks go to the police and to our security staff for their quick response and I would ask anyone with any information to make it available to investigators."

Anyone who witnessed the attack or has information on the offenders' identity is asked to contact Mr Loughrin at the Hamilton Central Police Station on 07 834 9413 or 027 704 8589, or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

- nzherald.co.nz