Police are investigating an attempted armed robbery at a Raymond Terrace petrol station, which became physical between the bandit and a staff member.
A man entered the Adelaide Street business about 7.10pm on Friday and approached the counter, police said.
He asked for a pack of cigarettes before he allegedly threatened the male staff member with what appeared to be a firearm and demanded cash and cigarettes.
The would-be thief jumped the counter, before struggling with the worker who managed to escape from the premises.
The staff member returned, police said, and a further struggle took place.
The bandit ran from the store empty-handed and fled the scene on a bike.
No customers were inside the business at the time and no-one was hurt.
A crime scene was established and several items were seized for forensic testing including a paintball pistol in the shape of a firearm, a cap, a bag and a bicycle helmet.
The man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged between 20 and 25 years old, around 180cm tall, with red hair and a medium build.
He was last seen wearing a brown hooded jumper, brown pants and black shoes.
extracted from Newcastle Herald