Horror as machete-wielding man and woman threaten staff at shopping centre

A manhunt is under way for a woman and man with a machete who threatened staff and the public at a popular shopping centre.

Horrifying footage has emerged of a man armed with a machete threatening another man in a Canberra shopping centre.

Emergency services were called to Canberra Outlet Centre in Fyshwick about 3.15pm on Thursday after reports of a machete-wielding man and a woman threatening people.

CCTV footage revealed the moment a woman with a bag and a man were walking through the shopping centre before being confronted by retail staff.

The man and the woman are stopped by retail staff. Picture: ACT Police

The man then pulls a machete from his trousers and directs it towards the retail worker, threatening him and other members of the public.

“Following investigations, it has been confirmed that the man and a woman had been in the centre for a period of time before entering a store and allegedly stealing a pair of shoes,” an ACT Police statement read.

The man produced a machete from his clothing. Picture: ACT Police

No one was physically injured; however, staff and members of the public were emotionally shaken by the “confronting incident”.

After the confrontation, the man and woman left the shopping centre.

They are yet to be apprehended.

“ACT Policing investigators would like to speak to witnesses who have not already spoken to police as well as anyone who can identify the pair or assist with their location,” the statement read.

He threatened retail staff and members of the public before fleeing the scene with a woman. . Picture: ACT Police

The man is described as caucasian with a solid build and mullet-style dark hair.

He was wearing a black T-shirt, light-coloured jeans and blue sneakers and was carrying a black backpack.

The woman is described as caucasian with long, straight dark hair and glasses.

She was wearing a dark strapless crop top, grey bike shorts and blue and white sneakers, carrying a large black tote bag and a black handbag.

Anyone who can assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Horror as machete-wielding man and woman threaten staff at shopping centre