CCTV of Musgrave Street, Berserker attempted armed robbery

Dramatic footage has emerged of shop employees using a chair to protect themselves from an attempted robber armed with a large machete. SEE THE VIDEO.

Employees at a tobacconist in Rockhampton have used a chair to fend off an armed robber in a terrifying ordeal on Monday evening.

Rockhampton detectives have released CCTV of the attempted armed robbery of the Musgrave Street, Berserker business as part of ongoing investigations.

The dramatic footage shows a masked man wearing a dark coloured hooded jumper entering the store about 6.30pm and producing a large, black machete from a bag.

He can be seen swinging it toward staff behind the counter of the business before he is struck by a chair which was hurled at him across the counter.

A man armed with a machete had a chair thrown at him in an attempted robbery of a Rockhampton business.

Not immediately deterred, he swings the machete above his head again before striking the glass counter and then running out of the store.

Police say the man threatened two employees – a man and a woman – but fled empty-handed.

The two employees were not physically injured.

While speaking to media about the incident, Officer in Charge of Rockhampton Criminal Investigation Branch, Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Simon Barclay, said it was unknown whether the man made any demands.

Officer in Charge of Rockhampton Criminal Investigation Branch, Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Simon Barclay. Picture: Aden Stokes

“From our early investigations the two staff members weren’t able to make out what this person was saying,” Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Barclay said.

“He was talking but it was unknown what his demands were.

“There is no indication this person has entered any other business at the same time or has attempted the same sort of offence around the location.”

He said the man left the shop and ran off in a northerly direction.

The tobacconist shop where the alleged armed robbery happened on Musgrave Street, Rockhampton.

“The male did not obtain any property from the premises and we are seeking help with identifying that male,” he said.

“I am making an appeal for anyone who may have been out and about on Musgrave Street at the time and may have witnessed this incident occur, to contact police here in Rockhampton and provide any information they may have.

“Even if they think it may not assist, it may lead us to identifying this person.”

He said police would not recommend “throwing chairs” when confronted with that type of situation.

“It is probably not ideal to be throwing chairs and that sort of thing,” he said.

“I am sure most businesses will have something in place for when staff are faced with that sort of situation.

“Those policies and procedures are something we recommend you follow.”

The man was wearing a dark coloured hooded jumper, white and red covering over his face, grey track pants, white shoes and carrying a green duffel-type bag.

Anyone with any information which could assist with this investigation, or anyone with relevant dashcam or CCTV is urged to contact police and quote reference number QP2300219615