Attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Neilson

Four people will appear in the Hamilton Youth Court tomorrow on a number of charges following an aggravated robbery in Thames today.

Two men, aged 20, 18, and two 14-year-old boys are charged with aggravated robbery, unlawfully using a vehicle and failing to stop for Police.

About 8am today, Police received a report of an aggravated robbery at a business on Pollen Street, Thames.

A teenager, who was stuck in a rip, was safely brought back to shore after a Police Officer and a member of Surf Lifesaving entered the water after them.

Around 7pm Thursday 1 January, Police received a call reporting that a teenager was caught in a rip at Paritutu Beach (also known as Back Beach) and was unable to get themselves back to shore.

Police responded immediately, and a water rescue operation was launched including tasking a rescue helicopter.

During this time, the teen was floating further and further away from shore.