A stolen vehicle used in an armed robbery of a Northland petrol station has been found dumped on the side of a road by police.
But police are seeking sightings of a second vehicle believed to be involved in the robbery, which saw cash and cigarettes stolen.
Acting Detective Sergeant Greg Johnson said three people entered the BP in Moerewa about 6.50am yesterday.Two of them were armed with weapons.
They threatened the worker then took the drawers from two tills with cash and grabbed cigarettes before fleeing on foot.
The sole female station worker was not injured but left shaken by the incident.
All three - two males and one female - were all dressed in dark clothing and had their faces covered. Two of the trio were armed but no firearms were involved.
Police have since recovered a grey Mazda Proceed vehicle on Mangakahia Rd which is believed to be linked to the robbery. A second vehicle, a black ute or similar, was also involved.
Mr Johnson said police wanted to hear about any sightings of the two vehicles between 6.50am and 7.30am on Mangakahia Rd, Otiria Rd or Ngapipito Rd.
"The Mazda has left through Ngapipito Rd, onto Mangakahia Rd towards Kaikohe. We also believe there may have been a black ute travelling in convoy with it," Mr Johnson said.
Police have also release security camera images of the heist.
Anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or Kaikohe police on 09 4052960.