Police are seeking witnesses to an armed robbery on a licensed premise on the South Gippsland Highway in Cranbourne North last night.

Detectives believe this incident is the latest in a string of armed robberies across Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs.

Police have been told that two male balaclava-clad offenders entered the business at 9.55pm and confronted two employees working behind the counter.

The offenders, armed with an axe and knife, have demanded the victims empty the contents of a safe and till into a Woolworths brand green carry-bag.

The victims have complied with the demands, and prior to leaving the scene an offender has punched one of them to the face.

This incident forms part of an ongoing investigation undertaken by the Dandenong Embona Taskforce in regards to a series of four armed robberies believed to be committed by the same offenders over a two-week period.

The same offenders are believed to be responsible for three other armed robberies;

– One on a Lyndhurst service station on 17 November around 10.30pm where armed bandits stole a quantity of cash.

– The second, on 24 November was around 10.50pm where it’s believed the same men robbed another service station on Hallam Road, Hampton Park.

– The third, again on a service station was at Hallam Road, Narre Warren North around 10.40pm where cash and cigarettes were stolen.

The first offender is described as Caucasian, aged in his early to mid 20’s, 180cm tall with a medium build and pronounced Australian accent.

The second offender is described as Caucasian, aged in his early to mid 20’s, 170cm tall with a thin build and distinctive tattoo on his right calf.

Both offenders wore dark clothing at the time of the incident.

Police are concerned by the escalating level of violence displayed and are urging anyone with information to come forward.