Violent armed robbery at Whangārei bar – two men on the run

Police are urgently trying to locate the two offenders.

A man is on the run after allegedly assaulting a pub patron, firing a shot into the ceiling, and robbing a bar at gunpoint in Whangārei.

The driver of the getaway car is also sought by police.

Tactical Crime Unit supervisor Detective Sergeant Ryan Cooper said police were called to a bar on Kensington Ave, Whangārei, at 10pm yesterday after a man entered the bar holding a firearm, demanding money.

The man is reported to have fired a shot towards the roof of the bar and assaulted one of the patrons, Cooper said.

The man then took cash from the bar’s tills and left in a car that had been waiting in the carpark.

The injured person was transported to hospital and has since been discharged.

The getaway car used by the offender was being driven by a second person and is believed to be a white Toyota Aqua or a similar model.

The car had stolen licence plates attached, registration KHA69.

“Police are urgently working to identify and locate the two offenders,” Cooper said.

If anyone has information that could assist inquiries, they can contact 105 online or on the phone, quoting file number 250726/2971.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.