Pair arrested over armed robberies

Two men have been arrested in relation to two armed robberies, including that of a Wellington Post Shop on December 2.

The robbery happened at the Kilbirnie Post Shop and Kiwibank branch and involved men with masks brandishing a sawn-off gun threatening customers and staff.

A police hunt was launched after the robbers escaped on foot with an undisclosed amount of money.

The second robbery involved cash and cigarettes being taken from the Silverstream New World supermarket on November 22.

The offenders were allegedly wearing balaclavas and brandishing a gun and a blade of some description.

Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Miller from Wellington CIB said a 41-year-old Wellington man and 36-year-old Porirua man faced joint charges relating to both incidents.

"They also face kidnapping charges arising from the same incidents," Mr Miller said.

The arrests followed the execution of search warrants at addresses in Wellington and Porirua today and were carried out without incident.

"The arrests follow extensive inquiries but are we are not at the end of our investigation," Mr Miller said.

"We are still looking at the possibility that a third person was involved."

Anyone with information about either robbery was urged to contact Wellington CIB.

The pair were due to make an appearance in Wellington District Court today.

- NZPA