Police seek public's help in identifying man who held up child at gunpoint during aggravated robbery

As they arrange specialist interviewers to speak to a young girl held up at gunpoint during an aggravated robbery of a takeaway bar over the weekend, Hamilton Police are appealing for information from the public.

Detective Senior Sergeant Nigel Keall of the Hamilton CIB said Police were called to a takeaway shop in the suburb of Dinsdale shortly after 10pm on Saturday after reports a man with a blue handkerchief over his face had entered the store.

"The man is alleged to have confronted the 10-year-old girl working behind the counter and pulled out a handgun before demanding money from the till.

"The offender made off on foot, taking a small sum of cash and was last seen running towards the Riflerange Rd- Killarney Rd intersection."

Mr Keall said a priority for the enquiry team is ensuring the wellbeing of the child and that she gets appropriate Victim Support.

Adult members of the girl's family were present at the store at the time of the robbery.

"We will also be arranging an interview with specialist child interviewers. This interview will also require the assistance of language specialists or translators as well.

"Police would like to speak to anyone in the area at the time of the incident who saw someone running from the scene or acting suspiciously."

Mr Keall said the offender was described as thinly built with a fair complexion and distinctive blue eyes wearing a grey or light coloured hooded sweatshirt with a blue handkerchief or bandana over his face.

Anyone with any information on the identity of the offender or who saw anything suspicious is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Ricky Thompson at the Hamilton Central Police Station on 07 858 6200.

Alternatively, information can be left anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.