Armed Robber Attacks Sydney Shop Clerk With Blade, Leaves Worker Wounded, Flees With Cash

Sydney, Australia— A convenience store clerk was left bleeding behind the counter after a masked man armed with a blade stormed the shop, demanded cash, and slashed the worker before fleeing.

The robbery occurred around 9:40 p.m. on Canterbury Road in the inner-west. The shop was quiet. The clerk, a 27-year-old man, was alone. Police said the suspect entered wearing a hoodie and face covering, brandished a kitchen-style knife, and vaulted part of the counter.

The clerk handed over cash from the till. Investigators said the attacker then slashed him once across the forearm and once on the hand during a struggle. He grabbed cigarettes and ran north on foot. The entire incident lasted less than a minute.

A customer found the clerk pressing a towel to his arm and called triple zero. Paramedics treated him inside the store. He was taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital with non-life-threatening wounds. He was later able to speak to detectives.

"We have a worker who did what he was told and was still attacked," a NSW Police detective said outside the shop. "This was violent and opportunistic. We want the community to look at the vision."

Forensic officers dusted the counter and door handle. CCTV from inside the store captured the suspect. Police said he is described as about 175 centimeters tall, slim build, wearing dark pants and a black hoodie. He carried a backpack.

Shop owners nearby said robberies had increased in the past two months. One said she now closes early because she does not feel safe alone. Another said he installed a panic button after a similar incident in September.

The store remained closed Friday night with police tape across the entrance. Detectives are checking nearby CCTV for the suspect's escape route. They are also reviewing whether the same man is linked to two other robberies in the area.

Police urged anyone who was on Canterbury Road around the time to come forward.