A sawn-off shotgun and an axe were used in an armed hold-up of a Tauranga tavern.

Police were called to Judea Tavern on Koromiko Street on Sunday night.

According to witnesses, two men were seen demanding people get on the floor as they demanded cash from staff.

Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Turner says two people entered the tavern on Koromiko Street at around 9.30pm.

They were armed with a sawn-off shotgun and an axe, and demanded cash.

'Some of the patrons in the tavern at the time have been spoken to by police, but anyone who was in the tavern earlier in the night is being urged to call Tauranga Police on (07) 577 4300.”

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