Shop worker blocks would-be robbers' escape

Two would-be robbers ended up getting barricaded in the very store they tried to hold up last night - trapped inside by the injured shop worker.

Police said the Hamilton dairy worker was held up at knifepoint by two people.

He got into a scuffle with them but managed to escape and fled - despite getting a cut to the head.

But he didn't go far.

The worker returned with passers-by, and the group barricaded the pair inside the store.

The police armed offenders squad were called to the Melville store, and arrived to find the duo blocked inside the Ohaupo Rd shop about 6pm. Roads were closed and police diverted traffic. It took officers about 40 minutes to talk the pair out of the store.

Police said last night that detectives were interviewing a man and a woman in relation to the unsuccessful attempted robbery.

The store worker was taken to Waikato Hospital for treatment.