Unconfirmed reports of cash being taken by motorists after bank robbery

Police investigate an armed robbery at the ANZ Bank on the corner of Rust Ave and Bank Street in Whangarei.

Unconfirmed social media reports of cash being scooped off the street by a passing motorist following the robbery of a Whangarei bank are circulating.

However, police would not comment on the observation or say how much cash was taken in the heist of ANZ Bank in Whangarei by the two masked robbers on Thursday.

Investigations continued yesterday including viewing security camera footage but the two offenders had not been arrested.

The Facebook post stated: "ANZ Bank in Whangarei just got robbed. On the run with bags of cash. That plus people running out of their cars to grab whatever cash that came flying out."

Police were calling for sightings of a red 2004 SS Commodore that was in the vicinity of the Avenues and the CBD before or around the time of the robbery.

Witness Gavin Benney, who chased the fleeing duo but had a firearm pointed at him, said he saw the masked offenders drive off from Second Ave in the red vehicle.

Acting Detective Inspector Aaron Proctor confirmed two heavily disguised men, one carrying a firearm, entered the bank and demanded cash from staff about 11.30am.

"Customers were in the bank at the time and thankfully neither staff or customers were injured during the robbery," he said.

At the time one was wearing a grey hooded top with dark trousers, and the other offender was wearing a dark coloured top with hood and dark trousers.

A scene examination was completed while the bank remained closed yesterday.

Police reminded anyone who witnessed suspicious activity not to take the law into their own hands or take unnecessary risks but call police immediately on 111 or Whangarei police on 09 430 4500 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.