Police investigate attempted armed robbery of Port Melbourne’s Rex Hotel after attempted hold up of Bay St venue

Police are on the hunt for a not so super villain with underwear as a mask who tripped on his cape as he fled a Port Melbourne pub he tried to hold up.

A bumbling villain who wore underwear as a mask tripped on his cape after a botched attempt to hold up a Melbourne pub.

The Armed Crime Squad are appealing for public help to identify a man involved in an attempted armed robbery at a Port Melbourne licensed venue last week.

Police say the man entered the Rex Hotel on Bay St about 2.15am on Wednesday May 22 and approached staff.

Police want to identify a man allegedly involved in an attempted armed robbery of Port Melbourne's Rex Hotel on Bay St about 2am Wednesday.

He then threatened the staff member with a firearm and made demands for cash but they were unable to access any money and the man became agitated and left.

No one was physically injured during the incident.

Police conducted patrols of the area a short time later but were unable to locate the man.

The masked villian tripped on the cape as he fled the Bay St venue before collecting himself and continuing his departure.

At the time of the incident, it is believed he was wearing a dark material draped around him like a cape and a pair of dark coloured underpants on his head.

He also had on a black T-shirt, light coloured pants and white runners.

Investigators have released CCTV which shows the man leaving the hotel after the incident and wish to speak to anyone who may have seen him in the area.

Police are also keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time who may have dashcam footage or further CCTV.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.