Two Auckland petrol stations robbed in space of two hours

A petrol station worker suffered a head injury in one of two Auckland petrol station robberies that took place in less than two hours.

Counties-Manukau police are investigating Tuesday's aggravated robberies, the first of which happened at Mobil on Mt Wellington Highway in Mt Wellington.

The offenders were armed with what police said appeared to be a "sawn-off shotgun".

Two of the four men tried to smash a window at the Mobil station, however the store attendant activated the fog alarm and the offenders quickly left, police said.

The men were travelling in a stolen silver Subaru Impreza.

Just an hour and a half later, the same vehicle arrived at the BP on Station Rd in Papatoetoe.

All four offenders ran into the service station.

The store worker was hit over the head with a tyre jack before being chased out of the building.

The men took off with cash and cigarettes.

"Police are absolutely disgusted in these offenders, it is completely unacceptable behaviour," Counties Manukau Police said on Facebook.

"An innocent store worker who was just trying to earn a living has been left traumatised by these thugs' behaviour."

The men were wearing dark clothing, except one offender who was wearing a grey hoodie. The offenders were fully gloved and wearing face masks.

Police would like to hear from a man in a dark-coloured station wagon who was chased back to his car in the forecourt of the BP by one of the offenders.

Anyone else with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Sam Rice immediately on 09 261 1300. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A private message can also be sent to the Counties Manukau Police Facebook page.

"We need your help to identify them or provide us with information. And don't forget, you could be rewarded if your information helps us catch these offenders and gets a successful prosecution," police said on Facebook.