A manhunt is on for a robber as CCTV emerges of terrifying armed holdup

Chilling footage shows the moment a service station worker is held at knifepoint by a man who stole cash and cigarettes.

Police are searching for an armed robber after a service station was held up in Melbourne’s southeast.

CCTV footage shows an unknown man armed with a knife entering a service station in Pakenham just after 3.30am before vaulting the counter. Police say the man then demanded the male staff member open the cash register.

Footage shows the man removing all of the cash notes from the till before turning around and stuffing the cash and about 20 packets of cigarettes in a backpack. He then jumps back over the counter and flees on foot from the Racecourse Rd business.

The armed man took cash from the register as well as packets of cigarettes. Picture: Victoria Police

The staff member was not physically injured and alerted police to the crime immediately.

The man was dressed in a dark hoodie, black Champion brand tracksuit pants, gloves, face mask, a hooded top pulled over his head and a distinctive logo on his tracksuit pants. He is described as about 182cm tall with light brown skin, with police appealing to the public for further information.

Any witnesses and anyone with CCTV, dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or anonymously at Crime Stoppers Victoria.