In breaking news first at chrislynchmedia.com, Two Christchurch dairies have been targeted in violent aggravated robberies, leaving staff injured and taken to hospital.

Acting Senior Sergeant Seb Kohnke said police were called to the dairy on Briggs Road in Shirley at about 8.10pm, after a report two people entered the store with a weapon.

An employee was assaulted during the incident and has been transported to hospital.

A St John spokesman told chrislynchmedia.com the person was in a moderate condition.

Kohnke said the offenders fled the scene in a stolen vehicle and it was not yet known what was taken.

A short time later, at about 8.20pm, police were called to a second incident at the Gayhurst dairy on the corner of Gayhurst and McBratneys Roads.

During the incident, the shop owner was assaulted and received moderate injuries. He has since been transported to hospital in a moderate condition the St John spokesman said.

A local resident said the shop owner was a lovely man and this attack will shock the community.

He said there was a ‘bit of blood’ at the front of the shop and he was hoping the man was ok.

The resident said police officers at the scene told him two youths were responsible.

Kohnke said the offenders targeted cash before leaving the area in a vehicle.

Police are now making enquiries to identify and locate the offenders, and are working to determine if the incidents are linked.”

Police have urged anyone with information to contact police on 105, quoting reference number P066002858, or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.