Police are investigating an attack on a group of people in the Otumoetai Community Gardens.

At about 8.50pm, police were called to reports of a robbery where a man carrying a weapon demanded money or other valuables from a group of people at the gardens, near the intersection of Ngatai and Otumoetai roads.

One of the victims alerted police staff working nearby to the incident and officers immediately began making enquiries to find the offender, who had fled from the scene, say a police spokesperson.

Police say a dog unit was deployed but unfortunately failed to track the alleged offender.

Police and Victim Support are working with the seven people who were attacked.

Officers are continuing to try to locate the alleged offender, who's described as being 6ft tall, of medium to big build, and with very short hair.

He was wearing a grey hoodie with a black tracksuit-style jacket with red lines down the seams over the top, and baggy blue jeans.

Anyone with any information about the attack or may know who the offender is, is asked to contact Tauranga Police on 07 577 4300.

Alternatively, information can be left anonymously via the Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 line.