Bay of Plenty Police are appealing for information following what they say was a violent robbery of an individual in Tokoroa over Matariki weekend.

At around 1pm on Friday, June 28, police received a report of a robbery where an individual was assaulted and a piece of their clothing stolen by a small group of people.

"The three offenders then got into a white Ford Courier ute and left the scene, nearly colliding with a Toyota van at the intersection of Leith Place and Swanson Street," says Detective Sergeant Neale Saunders.

One person received moderate injuries and required medical treatment.

“This was a violent attack carried out in broad-daylight, we recognise this would have been distressing for the community and those who witnessed the incident.

“Enquiries are ongoing to locate the three offenders, who we are confident we know the identities of."

Detective Sergeant Saunders says it's only a matter of time before they locate and apprehend the offenders.

“Police believe this was a gang-related incident, and we do not believe there is any ongoing risk to the wider community," says Detective Sergeant Saunders.

“There were a number of people present in the area over the long weekend and we want to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident and have not yet reported it to police.

"Police have a dedicated team investigating and working to locate those involved in this unordinarily violent attack.”

Police say if anyone witnessed the assault, have CCTV or video footage not yet provided to Police, or have any information that may assist in locating those involved or in our investigation, to please get in touch.

You can report information to Police by calling 105, or online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105.

Alternatively you can report any information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Please reference file number: 240628/8922