Arrests after Melbourne armed robbery

Four men have been arrested after allegedly storming a Melbourne tobacconist armed with an axe and stealing cash and cigarettes in broad daylight.

Police say the quartet with their faces covered ran into the store in Thornbury about 2pm on Tuesday and sped off in a car with a cash register and cigarettes.

It's the second time the store has been targeted since the new owner took over four months ago.

"I have operate this store for four months. I heard the old owner was robbed many times," the store's owner told Nine News.

"During this four months, this is the second time the thief come in my shop."

All four were arrested a short time later and are being interviewed by police.