Altona milk bar staff threatened with hammer in attempted robbery

Watch as an attempted armed robber fled empty-handed after he was chased from an Altona milk bar by staff.

Police are appealing for public assistance after a man armed with a hammer threatened a convenience store worker in an attempted armed robbery.

The man, who is described as 180cm tall with a medium build, attended Somers Milk Bar in Altona about 7.10pm on February 26.

A Victoria police spokesman said shortly after entering, the man pulled a hammer from his pocket and began threatening a staff member.

“Investigators have been told the man armed himself … before making demands for cash,” he said.

The staff member was not injured in the incident and managed to chase the man out of the store empty-handed.

He was wearing a black Puma hoodie, black shorts, dark coloured Nike runners and had concealed his face with sunglasses and a surgical mask during the incident.

The spokesman said he was last seen running west on Somers Pde towards Curlew Ave.

“Anyone who recognises the man is urged to contact Crime Stoppers,” he said.

Somers Milk Bar was contacted for comment.

Crime Stoppers can be reached on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au