Police investigate aggravated robbery of McDonald's in Kaikohe

Armed robbers force a staff member to empty the takings into a bag at Kaikohe McDonald's on Thursday night.

Police are investigating an aggravated robbery of McDonald's at Kaikohe.

Police said about 11.00pm last night staff at McDonald's Kaikohe were shutting down the store for the night and clearing the tills. The restaurant was locked and closed to the public.

Three offenders entered the store by smashing the bottom pane of the front door using an axe.

They have then entered the store. One was armed with what appeared to be a single barrelled shotgun and another with the axe.

All three were heavily covered up including wearing gloves and bandanas over their faces.

Two of the offenders made their way behind the counter and ordered a staff member to empty money from the tills and office. They have emptied the money into a bag and have departed via the broken glass pane.

McDonalds have released a statement relating to the robbery.

"We're assisting police with their investigation and staff at the Kaikohe restaurant are being provided support, which includes counselling," a spokesman said.

"McDonald's restaurants have a number of security measures and protocols in place, which we continue to assess to best protect our people."