Two men arrested in connection to Masterton aggravated robbery on Tuesday night

Two men will appear in the Masterton District Court today charged in connection to an aggravated robbery at a Church Street address on Tuesday night.

Detective Sergeant Bill Van Woerkom of the Wairarapa CIB says the arrests of a 39 year old Masterton man and a 23 year Carterton man are a result of two searches of Carterton addresses early this morning, with the assistance of the Armed Offenders Squad (AOS).

The 39 year old faces a charge of aggravated robbery and the 23 year old is charged with aggravated robbery and wounding with intent.

Around 11pm on Tuesday night, it's alleged three men entered a Church Street address and presented a firearm at the two occupants, assaulting the male occupant. A short time later, Police were called to another incident where a man was being beaten up in Colombo Street.

Detective Sergeant Van Woerkom says Police have now completed two thorough scene examinations at both the Church Street and Colombo Street addresses.

"We are yet to recover the firearm involved in the aggravated robbery, described as a sawn-off rifle. We'd like to hear from anyone who may hold information as to the whereabouts of this weapon."

Police are also keen to speak to 22 year old Paul Anthony Thompson, who is a person of interest in this investigation.

Anyone with any information on the location of the firearm or the whereabouts of Mr Thompson should phone Wairarapa Police on (06) 370 0300 or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.