Manhunt underway after worker stabbed with kitchen knife at Melbourne store

A man remains on the run after he allegedly stabbed a shop attendant with a kitchen knife at a Port Melbourne tobacco store.

Police believe the man stabbed the worker, a 60-year-old woman, at the shop on Bay Street about 9.40am.

She was rushed to hospital with serious injuries.

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Police said the man fled the scene on foot.

One resident, who has lived in the bayside suburb for five decades, said she felt extremely scared following the stabbing.

"This is sad. It should not happen," she said.

"I feel sorry for the lady, she is a nice lady. I hope she gets better. This has to stop, it isn't good."

Businessowner Roland Semaarm said crime in the area had increased.

"We are over it. There's not a day that goes by where one of these junkies are harassing someone on the street," he said.

"I can tell you now the shop owners have had enough. No one is doing anything about it. You can't walk down the street without being harassed.

"It doesn't stop. It's like south-central LA."

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Semaarm described the victim as one of the most "nicest" people he has ever met.

"I see her everyday. I just can't believe it," he said.

"She is the most lovely lady. It's shocking.

"The nicest woman you have ever met, works so hard and is quiet and lovely. And she gets stabbed for a pack of cigarettes."

The man is described as being Caucasian in appearance, with a solid build, aged in his 40s and wearing a blue hoodie.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au