A police car has been rammed following an armed robbery in Balranald in the state’s south-west.

Between 5.15pm and 5.30pm yesterday (Thursday 4 February 2016), a male and female attended a service station on the Sturt Highway, Balranald, where they filled their Jeep Cherokee with fuel before leaving without paying.

They then attended a supermarket on Market Street, Balranald, where they threatened staff with a large knife. They were handed an amount of cash before fleeing the scene in the vehicle, which also contained a small female child.

Police from Traffic and Highway Patrol sighted the car, which had stolen number plates, on the Sturt Highway near Euston and attempted to stop it. The vehicle failed to stop and a pursuit was initiated.

During the pursuit, the vehicle stopped and reversed into the pursuing highway patrol vehicle, causing extensive damage. The two officers in the police vehicle were uninjured.

The Cherokee then drove away and was located abandoned a short distance away. Despite an extensive search the occupants were not located.

It is believed they may have been picked up by interstate truck drivers.

Police from Deniliquin Local Area Command continue to make inquiries in relation to the incident.