Shots fired during an armed robbery at a Nuku'alofa petrol station on Friday night injured a petrol station supervisor in the leg, police have reported.

Three male offenders involved in the robbery at a petrol station on Fatafehi Road, Kolofo'ou, are being hunted by a special police operation.

The Acting Police Commissioner Taniela. Faletau, stated yesterday that the armed robbery incident occurred after 11pm on Friday January 6. "Investigators and a tactical Response Group have been working around the clock to arrest three male offenders.

"Two of the disguised offenders, armed with a shot gun and hand gun (a pistol) approached the 53-years-old male petrol station supervisor and demanded money, as the supervisor and three male employees were closing down the station.

"The supervisor tussled with one of the offenders and the offender with the shot gun fired two shots, and one injured the left leg of the supervisor," he said.

The offenders then fled the scene in the supervisor's Toyota Hilux van, which police found early Saturday morning abandoned at a location near Hofoa village.

Management of the petrol station confirmed that no money was stolen during the incident.

Forensic evidence is now assisting police investigators to confirm identity of offenders.

Police stated that the injured petrol station supervisor was recovering well at Vaiola Hospital.

Robberies using firearms have increased in Tonga since 2009 when that there was one case; there were four in 2010, and five in 2011.

Crime Report

During the first week of 2012, from January 2-8, a total of 54 crimes were registered on Tongatapu, mostly housebreaking, followed by common assaults, thefts, trespassing an willful damage. There were also 24 breach of publish order offences.

No criminal offences were reported at Ha'apai, Vava'u and 'Eua.

The Police reported that under the Traffic Act & Regulations,a total of 181 offences were registered. Most offences registered related to motor vehicles not registered for December quarter and nonpayment of annual license fees. There were no major traffic accidents causing injuries or road deaths during the report period.

Solomon Islands

The Acting Police Commissioner Faletau reported that Tonga Police Chief Inspector Pelenatita Fe'ao had left Tonga on January 10 for the Solomon Islands to take up her new job of Coordinator of Pacific Islands Contingent in the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (R.A.M.S.I.) for the next twelve months.