Gun-toting robbers apologise

A Taupo suburban bar and TAB outlet was held up last night by two armed men who apologised to patrons as they ordered people at gunpoint to lie on the floor while demanding bar staff to hand over the takings.

Bar owner Rae Hutchins said the men came into the bar around 10.00pm on Wednesday night while a group of patrons were enjoying a drink outside on the covered deck.

"They got everyone to go inside and lie on the floor while one of the men guarded the door with a rifle," Hutchins said.

One woman refused to go inside the bar and was held at gunpoint outside.

The woman managed to escape while the robbery was taking place and ran to the offenders' getaway car to try to stop them driving away, Hutchins said.

The offenders took takings from the bar, TAB, ATM and gaming machine cash boxes estimated to be over $15,000,  she said.

"They were very apologetic-saying sorry 'Miss' for doing this."

It was the first time the popular Richmond Heights bar had been held-up by armed offenders, she said.

The bar was closed off this morning as police investigated the armed hold-up.

- © Fairfax NZ News