Near-miss for ATM robbery witness

An innocent bystander who accidentally foiled an attempted ATM robbery had his car shot at as the offenders fled the scene.

Detectives have released CCTV footage and a photograph as the search continues for four people involved in the attempted robbery and shooting at a Cooranbong shopping centre, near Lake Macquarie, in the early hours of February 7.

The footage was taken at a Morisset petrol station, 45 minutes from the scene of the crime, and captures a brown haired man in his 20s, who police believe to be linked to the failed robbery.

Four people had arrived at the shopping centre on Freemans Drive in a white 4WD at 4.15am and began attaching a snatch-strap from the rear bumper to the ATM.

When the witness drove into the carpark, the group drove off and as they left they fired a shot at the bystander's car.

Anyone with information should contact police.