Three men and a woman have been arrested following an aggravated robbery in Napier this afternoon.

The trio - aged 20, 29 and 30 - entered the Westshore Dairy, on Alfred St, about 2pm demanding money and tobacco products.

The shopkeeper was threatened with a knife and the group made off with the goods - running to a nearby street where they had a getaway driver waiting for them.

Police said a member of the public spotted the trio running towards the car and took down their details.

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"He rang police and was able to give them a description and the registration of the vehicle,'' police said today.

"It was not long before police were able to locate the vehicle on State Highway 50, where it was stopped and the four occupants were taken into custody without incident.''

The men and a 19-year-old woman have been charged with aggravated robbery.

The men will appear in court tomorrow.

Police praised the man who contacted authorities for his role in bringing the would-be thieves to justice.

"The quick-thinking of the member of the public who rang 111 ensured this very serious incident was brought to a timely and positive conclusion.''