An armed robber held up the Talahiva Restaurant in central Nuku'alofa, in the early hours of this morning Wednesday, June 8 and fired a pistol into the ceiling before he fled with cash.

The hooded offender held a shop assistant at gunpoint and demanded money at 4:00am, Police Commissioner Chris Kelley said today.

No one was injured during the armed robbery and the amount of the cash had not been determined at this stage.

Police believed that the offender was assisted by a second male who acted as a lookout.

The Talahiva is a popular Tongan restaurant situated on Taufa'ahau Road facing the Royal Tombs in central Nuku'alofa.

Description

Police described the offenders to be Tongan males and the offender with the firearm is about 5'10 in height, slim built and wore a black top with a hood.

Commissioner Kelley that a Tactical Response Group staff under Chief Inspector Vaihu was investigating the robbery.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to come forward who may have witnessed the incident or have information regarding the offenders.

Members of the public who can assist should contact Chief Inspector Vaihu at 23-935 or 23-083.