Masked man in formal trousers and dress shoes robs Christchurch dairy

It might have been an out-take from Reservoir Dogs or Point Break.

But facing a well-dressed masked robber wearing black formal trousers and shiny black shoes was far from Hollywood make-believe for a teenage Christchurch dairy worker last night.

The dairy employee, who, along with the dairy's name, the Herald has agreed not to publish, was working out back when the door buzzer sounded at 8.01pm.

Walking behind the ice cream counter, he saw the "customer" was wearing a black mask which only revealed bloodshot eyes.

"Please can you remove your mask," the shop worker calmly said at about the same time he realised something was amiss.

"Give me cash," said the intruder who produced a large box-cutter knife with its blade fully extended.

"Go away or I'll call the police," said the young man whose uncle owns the Riccarton dairy.

The robber then tried to barge behind the counter.

The shop worker reached for the panic button but it had been moved from its usual position.

The thief then grabbed the till, sending its screen crashing to the floor.

The shop worker tried in vain to grab its cord as the robber ran out of the shop.

"I was thinking how to stop him," the worker told the Herald today.

"I ran out behind him and he crossed the road. I didn't have my phone so I cam back and called the police. I don't know where he went."

Police were soon on the scene but the robber was nowhere to be found.

Security footage from the shop's internal CCTV camera was removed by officers and is being reviewed, a police spokesman said.

Now they are appealing for anyone who saw the robber, described as wearing a black mask covering his face, black formal pants, black formal shoes, and a dark blue hoodie.

"He had very strange clothes on, for a robbery," the shop worker said.

He further described the man as being of big build and aged 25-30.

Anyone with information is asked to call Christchurch Police Station on 03 363 7400 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.