Police track down armed robbery suspects

Police were out in force in Royal Oak this afternoon after an armed robbery in the area. Photo / Judith Walker

Police have shut down several streets in the Auckland suburb of Royal Oak after an armed robbery in the area.

Auckland police said an aggravated robbery occurred at a bank in Royal Oak at about 2.30pm this afternoon.

A number of offenders entered the bank with what appeared to be firearms and then escaped with cash.

After assistance from the public, police located two persons who are now assisting them with their enquires.

Police believe another offender is still at large.

Police have advised pupils to stay indoors at nearby Royal Oak Primary.

Two lots of armed offender squad members were seen by an eye witness.

A witness said Crown, Oak and Acorn streets have all been closed to traffic.

A school spokeswoman said teachers decided to keep pupils in school assembly when they heard the helicopters - a call later backed by police.

Sending children home could be risky, though there was no danger within the school grounds, she said.

She said children would be held in the school hall until police gave the all clear.

- NZ Herald staff