A police spokesman said the man had entered the store, on the corner of Shore and Grant streets, and had jumped over the counter and pointed a fishing knife at the employee. He escaped with a sum of money and was last seen running west along Shore Street. The employee was not injured.

The thief is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm tall with a solid build and was wearing a dark grey balaclava, a blue checked flannelette shirt, blue jeans, brown runners and white gloves.

Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.