Police have release CCTV images in an appeal for public information following an armed robbery in the Lake Macquarie area earlier this year.
About 11.20pm on Sunday 15 May 2022, a man wearing a mask and armed with a firearm and knife, entered a service station on Withers Street, West Wallsend.
The man approached the counter and allegedly threatened an employee behind the counter before demanding money and cigarettes.
The man fled the store on foot, before the 27-year-old male employee, who was uninjured, notified officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police Area Command.
As inquiries continue into the incident, investigators have released CCTV images of a man who may be able to assist with inquiries.
The man depicted is described as being approximately 170-175cm tall, of medium to large build, wearing a black hooded jumper with a 'Tommy Hilfiger' motif on the front, black tracksuit pants, black shoes, wearing blue medical gloves and a Guy Fawkes mask, popular in the movie 'Money Heist'.
Lake Macquarie Police Area Command's Crime Manager, Detective Chief Inspector Scott Parker, says the incident was brazen and posed a significant danger to the employee as well as the community.
"While it's fortunate no one was physically injured, the trauma inflicted on victims in incidents like this, especially when firearms are involved, can cause long-term damage," Det Insp Parker says.
"There are people in the community who would know who this man is; whether you are a friend or family member, we urge you to do the right thing and contact police."
Anyone with information in relation to this incident is urged to contact Lake Macquarie police on 02 4922 8812 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
