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Two teenagers are among a trio set to appear in court facing aggravated robbery charges after an alleged heist at a Michael Hill jewellery store involving an axe and hammer.

Counties Manukau Police said they have been investigating after a group allegedly entered the Michael Hill branch in King St, Pukekohe, at 5.45pm last Friday.

Those arrested, aged 15, 17 and 20, were due to appear in a Manukau court today, charged with aggravated robbery and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.

Detective Inspector Karen Bright said a vehicle of interest was identified at a Henderson petrol station around midnight last night.

“West Auckland police responded quickly to Lincoln Rd and, with the assistance of the police Eagle helicopter, stopped the vehicle,” she said.

“Three occupants of the vehicle aged between 15 and 20 were arrested.”

Bright said she acknowledged the careful coordination of all police staff involved in last night’s operation.

“We’re incredibly pleased with the progress made by the enquiry team over the past six days.

“Police take this sort of aggravated offending seriously and work to hold offenders to account as swiftly as possible.”

An employee at a nearby restaurant on the night confirmed to the Herald that the Michael Hill store was targeted in the robbery just before closing time.