Box Hill Embona Task Force detectives are investigating following an armed robbery in Blackburn North earlier this month.

Investigators have been told a man approached a woman in a shopping centre car park on the Springfield Road about 12.15pm on Wednesday 1 March.

The man, who was armed with a sharp object, made demands for the woman’s handbag.

He was last seen running from the car park with the handbag, which contained personal items including credit cards.

The stolen credit cards were then used to make purchases at various outlets within the shopping centre.

A short time later, the cards were also used at outlets on Toorak Road, Camberwell South and Lonsdale Street in the CBD.

Detectives have released images of a man they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries.

The man is perceived to be of Caucasian appearance, with brown hair and a short brown beard.

He was wearing a grey T-shirt, dark-coloured running shorts, a black cap and sunglasses at the time of the incident.