A man who sparked a bomb scare at a bank in South Auckland this morning has been caught on camera.
The man, described as a light-skinned Polynesian wearing a black wig, entered the BNZ on the corner of Ronwood Ave and Great South Rd in Manukau claiming to have an explosive device.
After being given a small amount of cash, the man left behind what he said was the device and threatened to detonate it remotely.
Police, who were alerted at 10.35am, said there were a number of people in the bank at the time.
Emergency services and the New Zealand Defence Force bomb squad responded to the incident, and businesses around the bank were evacuated.
When the bomb squad entered the building, they found the package was a hoax.
Detective Senior Sergeant Ross Ellwood of Counties Manukau police said officers were treating the incident seriously, and using a number of resources to identify the man.
"We'll be looking to apprehend the man responsible as soon as possible."
The man had been caught on CCTV footage in the bank. He was wearing a black jacket, light jeans and black shoes with white stripes and carrying a black bag.
"We hope that the circulation of the suspect's image will assist us in identifying him," Mr Ellwood said.
Anyone who recognises the man or has information about the incident should call police on (09) 213 9443 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
