Police are on the hunt for an armed man who attempted to rob the Railway Hotel in Greymouth and then the Runanga Workingmen's Club.
West Coast police area commander Inspector Jacqui Corner, said in a statement that armed police were called to two hotels, following reports of armed robberies.
Police were alerted to an attempted aggravated robbery at the Railway Hotel, in Mawhera Quay, Greymouth shortly before 11am.
Insp Corner said the offender was unable to enter the business but was reportedly armed with a firearm.
No shots were fired and no-one was injured.
A short time later, police were alerted to an aggravated robbery at the Runanga Workingmen's Club.
"The offender reportedly entered the premises and demanded money from staff. The offender was also reportedly armed with a firearm."
Again, Insp Corner said no shots were fired and no-one was injured in the second incident.
Armed offenders staff were responding as a precaution.
"At this early stage we are unable to confirm if these two incidents are connected, however, we are keeping an open mind."
Witnesses to the Railway Hotel incident called police when they saw a man standing outside the establishment with a shotgun.
The Greymouth Star understands the same man discharged two smoke canisters on the footpath outside about 10.45am.
Another witness said that they could see orange smoke billowing from the canisters from the Greymouth side of the Cobden bridge.
The canisters were left on the footpath beside the hotel.
Two police officers arrived at the Railway Hotel just before 11am, both armed, one with a Bushmaster semi-automatic rifle.
There was also a police presence at the Runanga Workingmen's Club in Pitt St and a police car was parked at the Ward St, Runanga intersection about 11.30am.
The Police Big Day out at the Grey District Aquatic Centre yesterday morning was interrupted as police were called to the incident.
It is understood the man was driving a stolen vehicle.
