Melbourne Embona Taskforce detectives are investigating two linked attempted armed robberies in Fairfield and Thomastown last month.

Three male offenders have smashed the glass doors of a service station on Austin Street in Fairfield about 11.30pm on Sunday 13 January.

The thieves have been spooked and run from the store empty-handed.

About 30 minutes later the same trio has struck again at a Thomastown kebab store on Mahoneys Road.

They have approached the male store member who was preparing the store for busniess the following day.

One of the offenders, wearing a balaclava, has lunged at the victim with a knife several times but luckily hasn’t hit him.

The victim has managed to push the offender from the store and the offenders have all fled.

They have fled in a waiting silver hatchback being driven by a fourth offender.

Detectives have released CCTV footage and images of three males they wish to speak to who may be able to assist with their enquiries.