Police have released security camera pictures of the man who robbed the Durie Hill dairy on Sunday in the hope Whanganui people can identify the "distinctive" motorcycle helmet he is wearing.

The man, described as wearing a long-sleeved black top, black pants, and carrying a bag of some sort, had his head covered with a multi coloured motorcycle helmet when he robbed the store at gunpoint.

He entered the dairy on Portal St about 2.10pm, "brandished a pistol" and stole goods from the store, Detective Aaron Bunker said.

"The helmet appears to be quite distinctive and police are publishing the pictures asking the public if they recognise this helmet and who the owner is," Mr Bunker said.

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The shop person was not physically hurt in the robbery but was "extremely distressed". Family are supporting them.

"This aggressive male has gone into your local store and terrorised your local shop person and police need your help to solve the crime," he said.

-Anyone with information can call Mr Bunker at Whanganui Police Station on 06 351 3600 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.