Police investigating a robbery in Rotorua want to check on a woman who gave the alleged offender a ride.

Work has been carried out to re-trace the steps of the offender after he robbed the Westend Tavern on Old Taupo Road around 12.30pm yesterday.

Police want to hear from a woman they believe picked up a robber near the Westend Tavern yesteday.

Police say a large sum of cash was stolen in the robbery.

A staff member fended off the robber and a member of the public then chased him into York Street.

Detective Sergeant Richard Lang says further investigations have revealed a third person, who witnessed him being chased, also tried to head him off.

The offender, seeing this man, ran across York Street to avoid him and fell over in the road.

At this point a white vehicle travelling along York Street stopped where the offender had fallen.

Richard says he said something to the female driver and then jumped in the back of the vehicle behind her.

'We are concerned this may have been an innocent member of the public thinking she was helping someone in trouble, not knowing he had just committed a robbery.

'It's important we identify who she was, to check on her welfare in the first instance. She may also unknowing hold vital information about yesterday's events and the offender.”

From witness accounts the vehicle was likely a Honda and possibly had the number ‘8' in the registration.

The female driver is described as probably Polynesian and in her late 30s or early 40s.

The initial description of the offender was 6ft and fat build.

Further enquiries suggest he was of a more solid build than fat and more likely around 5ft 8ins to 5ft 9ins tall.

'We also know that during the attempts to fend off the offender he received a blow to the head likely to have resulted in some bruising.

'If you were the woman in the vehicle or know who she is, we urge you to contact us as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Rotorua Police on 07 348 0099.

Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.