Shoppers flee as shots fired in botched Bunnings armed robbery

Terrified shoppers were told to flee when a man opened fire inside a south-west Sydney Bunnings store in a botched armed robbery.

Police are hunting for the suspect who stormed the front door of the Prestons store armed with a shot gun shortly before closing time about 9pm yesterday. 

He reportedly threatened staff before firing two shots into the air, with one believed to have hit shelves.

No one was injured in the incident and 9NEWS understands one of the staff members told remaining shoppers to exit the aisles over the store PA system.

The offender left empty-handed and fled the scene in a silver Mitsubishi Lancer on Hoxton Park Road.

Police are investigating whether the incident is linked to two other armed hold-ups at service stations in Eastern Creek and Kemps Creek last night.

The man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall and wearing dark-coloured jeans and a long-sleeved white shirt.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stopperson 1800 333 000.