Violent Armed Robbery at Whangārei Bar Leaves Two Men on the Run

Whangārei, New Zealand – A violent armed robbery at a bar in Whangārei has left police on high alert as they search for two men suspected of the crime. The incident, which occurred late last night, has sent shockwaves through the local community and raised serious concerns about public safety in the area.

According to police reports, the incident took place at a bar on Kensington Ave in Whangārei around 10 PM. A man is alleged to have entered the premises armed with a firearm, demanding money from staff and patrons. In a display of intimidation, the suspect fired a shot into the ceiling, causing panic among those inside.

During the robbery, the man is reported to have assaulted one of the patrons, leaving the individual injured. The suspect then proceeded to take cash from the bar’s tills before fleeing the scene in a car that had been waiting in the carpark.

The injured patron was transported to a local hospital for treatment and has since been discharged. However, the incident has left a lasting impact on the bar’s staff and regular customers, who described the event as “horrifying” and “unbelievable.”

Police have confirmed that the getaway car was driven by a second suspect, and they are currently seeking information about the vehicle. The car is believed to be a white Toyota Aqua or a similar model, with stolen license plates bearing the registration KHA69. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.

“Police are urgently working to identify and locate the two offenders,” said Detective Sergeant Ryan Cooper of the Tactical Crime Unit. “This was a brazen and violent act that has left the community shaken. We are appealing to the public for any information that could help bring these individuals to justice.”

Residents and business owners in the area have expressed their fear and frustration, with many calling for increased police presence and more robust security measures at local venues. Some have suggested that such incidents may be a sign of a growing trend of armed crime in the region.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 105 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111, quoting file number 250726/2971.

As the investigation continues, the community remains on edge, hoping for swift justice and a return to normalcy.