An Indian international student has been left traumatised after two armed men trained a gun on him during an armed robbery at a service station in Melbourne on Sunday.
23-year-old Bhanu was behind the counter of the servo in Preston when two men who had their faces covered, entered the store in the early hours of Sunday and threatened him with a firearm.
The alleged offenders forced him to open the cash register, pointing the weapon at him and took away all the cash. They also made away with a bin full of cigarettes.
While he had the weapon pointed at him all this while, Bhanu can be seen trying to reason with the alleged offenders in a bid to stop them from robbing the store.
The service station manager said the total loss has been to the tune of $7,000.
“We haven’t yet calculated the exact amount yet, but it was in the range of $2,000- 2,500 in cash and at least $5,000 worth of cigarettes,” Sandeep Chikatimarla told SBS Punjabi.
The 23-year-old Indian student is in a state of shock and hasn’t returned to work since the day of the robbery. He is being assisted by the victim support unit of the police.
Both offenders were perceived to be Caucasian in appearance and of a medium build.
Victoria Police has released the CCTV footage and images of the incident. Source: Supplied/ Victoria Police
Victoria Police have released the CCTV footage of the incident in the hope that someone might recognise the men and help them in the investigation.
Police believe they may have been in the area for up to two hours prior to the armed robbery.
Police are appealing for anyone who may be able to provide any information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
