Palmerston North service station robbed

The man threatened the attendant of the BP Service station on Main St in the city at around 9.15pm yesterday, police said. Photo / File

A man armed with a knife has robbed a service station in Palmerston North, making off with tobacco and cash.

The man threatened the attendant of the BP service station on Main St in the city at around 9.15pm yesterday, police said.

He demanded tobacco and cash, which the attendant handed over. The man put the stolen items into a hat he had picked up off a stand in the shop, and then made off on foot in the direction of Victoria Ave, police said.

The shop attendant was left shaken by the incident, but unharmed.

His level-headedness under pressure was praised by police, who said he remained calm throughout the incident, and took notice of everything the robber was doing, and what he did afterwards.

"This has been of great assistance to the investigation team," police said in a statement.

The armed robber was described as being a white man in his early 30s, about 5'10", unshaven, with light coloured hair.

He was wearing a dark coloured beanie and a dark long sleeved top. He would have been carrying another hat in his hands as he made off from the service station.

A scene examination was completed this morning and CCTV footage was being reviewed, police said.

Anyone who was travelling in the area of Main St/Victoria Ave around 9.15pm to 9.30pm who saw a man walking in the area fitting the above description is asked to contact Detective Sergeant David Thompson at Palmerston North Police Station, on 06 351 3600, or anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

NZH pd