Police have found a knife believed to have been used to stab a bottle store attendant in a robbery in Napier on Wednesday evening.
Two men were involved in the robbery of The Mill Liquorsave in the suburb of Taradale and police are urging the public to help identify them.
Detective Sergeant Emmet Lynch of Napier CIB said today the robbery was a "cowardly, premeditated and deliberate attack" on someone who wasn't given a chance to comply.
One of the offenders demanded cash from the attendant immediately after entering the store.
"Prior to being able to respond or meet his demands, the sole staff member in the retail area at this time, was attacked without warning and stabbed in the chest."
A second man working at the rear of the shop came to his colleague's assistance and helped prevent what could have a far more serious outcome for the victim, Mr Lynch said.
"The offenders were ruthless and their actions totally unwarranted."
Mr Lynch urged anyone who knew the offenders to call police in confidence and help prevent anyone else in the community becoming seriously injured.
He said numerous witnesses had seen the offenders fleeing into Puketapu Rd, past the Taradale skatebowl and into the Symonds Lane-Taradale Park area.
They were carrying several large bottles of liquor.
One offender was described as Maori, about 35 years, about 165cm tall and of medium build, wearing dark hooded sweatshirt, dark long pants and light coloured running shoes.
The other man was also Maori, about 183cm tall with a solid build wearing a black t-shirt over a green hoodie and dark coloured shoes with white laces.
The victim of the attack is recovering after being transferred to Wellington Hospital.
