Detectives from the Altona North Embona Taskforce are investigating following an armed robbery at a service station in Hoppers Crossing on Monday.
Investigators have been told a man with a hooded jumper entered the premises on Old Geelong Road around 4.30am.
Armed with an axe, the robber threatened staff and stole a quantity of cash and a carton of cigarettes.
He was last seen walking west along Old Geelong Road.
Police believe the man may then have got into an old model white panel van and left the scene.
The man police wish to speak to in relation to the incident is described as being Caucasian and aged around 25, with a solid build.
He was wearing blue jeans with green Monster brand stripes on the left thigh and a white, black and red hooded jumper.