Student terrified after being threatened by men armed with gun knife, at Melbourne servo

A university student has been left terrified after he was threatened by thieves brandishing a gun and a large kitchen knife while working at a Melbourne service station.

Video of the incident has been released as police hunt the men behind the robbery at Liberty Service station on Ballarat Road in Maidstone about 10.10pm on January 4.

It shows two men approach the attendant and jumped the service counter.

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One man carried what appeared to be a handgun, while the other had a large kitchen knife and threatened the attendant.

"They backed the attendant into a corner," Detective Senior Constable Chris Berzins said.

They demanded cash and cigarettes before filling a bag with cigarettes and vapes.

They were last seen running southward on Whittaker Street.

Berzins said the incident had been "pretty terrifying, especially for the victim".

"He's a young student. He's just working there to put himself through uni and he's rightfully scared."

One of the men is described as being of Caucasian appearance, with a dark hood pulled tight over his head, wearing a high-vis yellow shirt, and about 20 to 25 years old.

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He was brandishing a firearm and carrying a see-through satchel bag.

The second man is described as being of Caucasian appearance with a motorcycle helmet covering his face, wearing a high-vis orange jacket, and about 20 to 25 years old.

He was carrying a large kitchen knife and a backpack.

Anybody with information about the men or the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.