Masked thieves armed with axe and machete threaten shopkeeper

Masked men armed with a tomahawk and machete threatened a shop attendant and woman in a frightening robbery in Sydney's west.

The pair were caught by security cameras storming into the Whalan convenience store and demanding cash just before 5.30pm yesterday.

One of the men threatened shop attendant Sophie Adams with an axe while demanding cash.

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"I was trying to hold the till - make sure they couldn't get it, but they started hitting at us," she told 9News.

A customer caught in the middle of the ordeal was also threatened before the men took off with the entire cash register holding $3000.

The family-run business has been part of the community for 18 years, once a tobacconist and now a convenience store.

"It's gonna set us back. We're going to have to pull together as a family and work past this. I know the community is going to support us, they always have," Ms Adams said.

Sophie's mum Martha Adams said the robbery was heartbreaking.

"It crushes me," she said.

The store is open again today as police continue to search for the men responsible.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.