A man threw petrol over a Christchurch pharmacist and threatened to set him ablaze during a robbery early this afternoon.
The pharmacist was not injured, but he was shocked by the incident, and recovering at home, police said.
About 12.55pm a man, wearing red full face crash helmet, entered Alabasters Pharmacy in Papanui Road, opposite Merivale Mall, and robbed the owner of cash.
"During the robbery the offender threw petrol over the pharmacist and threatened to set him on fire," said Detective Sergeant Paul Merrett, of New Brighton police.
"The pharmacist was able to run out of the shop and raise the alarm with a nearby shop owner."
The offender fled on a red Ducati 749 motorcycle, which had been parked in a loading zone near the pharmacy. He was last seen travelling east on St Albans Street at speed.
The Ducati motorcycle was found a short time later by police leaning up against a fence outside Abberley Park in Abberley Crescent. The motorcycle had earlier been reported stolen in a burglary yesterday from a New Brighton address.
"The potential for serious injury to the pharmacist during this incident cannot be overstated," Mr Merrett said.
Police were following a number of positive lines of enquiry and needed public assistance.
They want to hear from anyone who may have seen a red Ducati motorcycle and its rider about 12.50 pm in the vicinity of Alabasters Pharmacy, or any sightings of the motorcycle and its rider on St Albans Road or Abberley Crescent Park shortly after 12.55pm.