Invercargill police are hunting a masked man who robbed a dairy at gunpoint this afternoon.
A Southland primary school was locked down after an armed robbery this afternoon.
Invercargill Police were called to an incident at the Four Square Store in Dunns Rd, Otatara, at 1.42pm today.
A person had entered the store brandishing a gun, demanding money from the shop assistant.
Otatara Primary School was temporarily locked down as a precautionary measure after the incident.
Alternative arrangements were made for high school students travelling back to Otatara after school.
The alleged armed robber took some cash and was thought to have left the scene on foot.
The shop assistant was unhurt in the incident but shaken.
Police described the suspect as Caucasian, wearing dark clothing, a black hoodie, and a shiny red face mask at the time the robbery occurred. It was believed the man may still be in the Otatara area and police cordoned off the immediate vicinity around the store.
Police said residents should report any suspicious activity to police immediately on 111 and anyone acting suspiciously should not be approached.
Police are also asking residents to secure their property, including sheds and garages.
A helicopter was trying being used to try track down the offender and the armed offender's squad was also deployed.
Police said they would release CCTV footage of the suspect in due course.
Police said anyone with any information about the incident could also call Detective Sergeant Grant Johnstone on 021 191 5159.
