Box Hill Embona are investigating an attempted bank robbery at Balwyn yesterday afternoon.

Police believe a man entered the Whitehorse Road bank about 2.45pm and waited in line, before handing the teller a note that demanded cash.

The female attendant then activated the shutters and the offender attempted to leave the premises.

But the man was stopped by a customer at the doorway, where a short struggle ensued and he dropped a bag he was carrying.

It is believed the man then ran away via Rochester Road.

The offender is described as a Caucasian man, aged in his late 20s to early 30s, clean shaven and about 183cm tall.

He was wearing a dark top and dark jeans at the time of the incident.