Police are hunting a masked assailant who robbed a Dunedin dairy at knifepoint last night.
The man, whose face was obscured by a bandana and hooded jersey, demanded cash while wielding a knife at the Highgate Dairy on Highgate about 8.45pm last night, police said.
The man left the store empty-handed and headed in a northerly direction on foot, Senior Sergeant Brian Benn said.
Uniformed officers, CIB and a police dog unit were at the scene soon after the incident took place and police remained there late last night.
The dog and its handler could be seen tracking in and out of nearby streets in the area.
Snr Sgt Benn said the dog was not successful in tracking the offender and police were unable to locate him by late last night.
He was described as being about 178cm tall and of a medium build.
He was wearing a dark bandana over his face and dark clothing.
Snr Sgt Benn said anyone with information about last night's robbery or who saw someone matching the description of the offender or anything suspicious should contact police.
Inquiries into the robbery were ongoing, he said.
The dairy, which also contains an adjoining residential flat, was also targeted by thieves in 2013.
On that occasion, three offenders broke in by smashing a glass door early in the morning.
They fled the scene when they were disturbed by an alarm.
● Dunedin police (03) 471-4800, Crimestoppers 0800-555-111.
