Shocking CCTV shows violent raid on Auckland jewellery store
Shocking CCTV footage has emerged of at least three masked offenders attacking a jewellery store in Auckland's Papatoetoe yesterday evening.
Police confirmed a person had been seriously injured during the robbery at Pooja Jewellers on Kolmar Rd in Papatoetoe around 5.45pm.
Footage supplied to 1News showed the offenders enter the store carrying what appeared to be hammers before being confronted by a man who received a heavy blow to the head.
As the thieves rushed to grab items, another staff member brandished a large sword and proceeded to challenge the offenders with it as they retreated from the store.
Inspector Keki Wilson said police are speaking with "a number of witnesses" to piece together exactly what occurred and inquiries remain ongoing to locate the offenders and their vehicle.
The man hit with the hammer was seriously hurt and taken to hospital.
Police urged anyone with information on the incident to contact them through 105 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
Store owner in a 'stable' condition
Dairy and business owner's group chairman Sunny Kaushal told 1News he knew the family that ran the store well and said the incident was "frightening" for them all.
Kaushal said the owner of Pooja Jewellers had a fractured skull and would need surgery.
He was taken to hospital in a serious condition last night, after he was hit over the head with a hammer several times by one of the offenders.
He was now stable, Kaushal said.