Thieves with hammers raid servo of cigarettes

CCTV has emerged of armed robbers storming a service station in Melbourne’s north this morning.

The video released by Victoria Police shows at least four masked men raiding the counter of the outlet on Wood Street and Dalton Road, Thomastown, about 4.30am.

One of the men is shown leaping over the counter, before the rest of the offenders join him.

The group then swarms the cigarette shelves, grabs handfuls of packets and loading them into a black bag.

Meanwhile, the store attendant stands back and watches on helplessly as the cash drawer is also looted.

Police said the robbers, all perceived to be of African appearance, fled the scene in a silver SUV.

No one was injured and investigations after ongoing.

Detectives believe the Thomastown incident may be linked to a Keon Park service station robbery, which unfolded at the same time.

At the Dalton Road and Keon Parade store, six offenders of African appearance stole cigarettes and demanded the store attendant open a cash drawer.

The staffer was hit in the face during the ordeal, but did not sustain serious injuries.

The Keon Park robbers fled in a black sedan.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000