Machete-wielding offenders still on the run after Uralla armed robbery

Detectives are investigating whether a woman stood guard at the door while the robbery unfolded at the Matilda petrol station, off the New England Highway, about 1.35am on July 27.

One of the offenders was armed with a large machete and was carrying a potato sack-style bag when he robbed the employee behind the counter of cash and cigarettes.

“The offenders were wearing quite distinctive clothing at the time of the robbery so we are appealing to members of the community who might recognise that particular branding or items to come forward,” New England Detective Inspector Ann Joy told Fairfax Media.

The offender threatened the employee working behind the counter, telling him ‘he wouldn’t get hurt if he complied with his demands’.

The victim was not injured during the incident, but several security cameras captured every second of the hold-up.

Police believe the offenders ran off along East St, towards the Kingstown Rd, after escaping with the goods.

But the large machete has not been recovered by police.

Investigators have released the fresh CCTV images and are hoping someone travelling along the highway might have seen something in the moments leading up to the robbery, or just after.

“Detectives have canvssed the neighbourhood and are continuing to investigate that matter and anyone with information on the identity of the two offenders is urged to contact Armidale detectives or Crime Stoppers,” Detective Inspector Joy said.

The armed man is shown in CCTV as being of Caucasian appearance, wearing a blue hooded jumper, black tracksuit pants with a white strip down the side, and shoes. 

He had part of his face covered with a balaclava-style disguise and was also wearing a black and white ear flap hat.

The second, who stood guard at the door, is depicted in the images as being of solid build, wearing a red hooded jumper and tracksuit pants, and was also wearing a balaclava-style face disguise.