Hunt continues for violent Vic robber

Police have stepped up their hunt for a man who is believed to have violently robbed two convenience stores within 15 minutes of each other in Melbourne's north.

The robberies took place on the evening of March 24 with the first at a shop in suburban Coolaroo, when a man armed with a knife entered a shop demanding cash and attempting to steal the cash register.

He then threw a number of glass jars at a shop assistant, police say.

The employee managed to fend off the man with a wooden pole and he left empty handed.

Police believe the same man then entered another shop in nearby Jacana shortly after.

This time the man got away with a number of stolen goods, after he kicked a male staff member.

Neither victim was seriously injured.