Machete-wielding robber driven off by 70-year-old man in Sydney

A 70-year-old man has fended off a machete-armed attacker during an overnight attempted robbery at his Sydney convenience store.

About 8.40pm yesterday, Theo Zagoridis was in his convenience store on Elizabeth St in Ashfield when two men entered the shop with their faces concealed.

They threatened Mr Zagoridis with a machete, but he refused to back down.

Mr Zagoridis said he had grabbed the man with the blade in a bear hug to stop him attacking.

A struggle ensued before both attackers fled empty-handed.

Mr Zagoridis sustained two cuts in the encounter and was treated at the scene by paramedics.

Around the same time, another convenience store on Alt Street in the same suburb was also robbed by two men.

Armed with a pellet gun, they threatened the 35-year-old female store attendant before shooting her and fleeing with a number of stolen items.

The woman was not badly hurt.

The men in both incidents wore dark clothing and had their faces covered.

Anybody with information is encouraged to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.