'Don't hurt us': Couple's plea to armed group during robbery in Lower Hutt

A BMW similar to this one was used during an armed robbery in Lower Hutt on Monday night.

The owners of a fish and chip shop have spoken of the terrifying moment a group of people stormed into a takeaway business and pointed a sawn-off shotgun at them and threatened them with a knife.

Wayne Wong told TVNZ's 1 News he and his wife were preparing to close their Avalon, Lower Hutt, shop when the group came in just before 9pm yesterday.

"They pointed a gun at my wife and when we said 'don't hurt us' they put it down."

He told the state broadcaster the group took off with the cash register, which contained around $200 to $300 cash.

The couple were left shaken from the incident, but planned to open for business tonight.

Police are searching for an old model BMW thought to have been used during the armed robbery.

They are also continuing their hunt for four people linked to last night's terrifying raid on a Taita Drive store just before 9pm.

Police are now focusing on finding the 1995 blue three-door 318TI coupe used in the heist. It has a registration plate BRE645.

They are appealing for anyone who may have seen a vehicle matching that description driving near Taita Drive last night around the time of the robbery.

They also want anyone with useful information to contact police immediately.

Can you help? Contact police on 111 or CrimeStoppers anonymously on: 0800 555 111.