A money exchange shop in Kwun Tong was robbed of some HK$177,000 by a man armed with a gun-shaped object on Friday afternoon.

The incident occurred around 1 pm today when the man — holding a pistol-shaped object — entered the money exchange shop on How Ming Street and robbed about HK$177,000.

He swiftly fled towards Kowloon Bay after collecting the money.

Police soon arrived upon receiving the report and attempted to intercept the suspect in the area but to no avail.

It is understood that a customer was exchanging money at the shop when the robber suddenly entered.

Security footage of the shop captured the process and the robber was seen taking out what appeared to be a pistol from the backpack to intimidate the staff before nabbing some Hong Kong dollars and Renminbi yuan.

Police are down hunting down the suspect who is about 30 years old and speaks Cantonese. He was wearing a black shirt, black trousers, a cap and carrying a black backpack during the crime.

Sources: The Standard