Aggravated robbery in Hamilton- Do you know this man?

Hamilton Police investigating the robbery of a bank in a busy shopping centre in the north of the City today have released a photo taken from security camera footage in the hope someone recognizes the offender.

Acting Detective Sergeant Daryl Smith said a man entered the Chartwell branch of the Westpac bank premises about 1.47pm.

"The bank is located in the Westfield Shopping Centre. Approaching the counter he passed a note over the counter demanding money before fleeing on foot, in the direction of the Lynden Court shops.

"We're still interviewing witnesses and reviewing security footage and as yet we haven't been able determine an ethnicity for the man," said Mr Smith.

The offender was described as was wearing a black beanie and was dressed in a black jersey, full length green cargo pants and wearing dark coloured shoes."

Mr Smith said it appeared the offender had a fair coloured wispy goatee beard.

While the investigation was in it's early stages Mr Smith said a focus of the inquiry would be to establish if there were any links to today's robbery and one of a similar nature at the nearby ASB branch 02 October.

"We can't confirm anything at this stage but it would be fair to say we're keeping an open mind in regards to if the two incidents were carried out by the same person."

Anyone who witnessed today's robbery and hasn't yet been spoken to by Police or who recognizes the man in the photo is asked to contact Mr Smith at the Hamilton Central Police Station on 07 858 6200.

Alternatively information can be left anonymously on the confidential crimeline, 0800 Busthem (0800 287843).