A service station worker had just seconds to escape five thugs carrying baseball bats and hammers as they stormed their way inside his Melbourne store.

Exclusive pictures obtained by 7 News show the gang jumps the counter at the Hillside store to steal cash and cigarettes, before turning its attention on the attendant's car.

The quiet Saturday night shift quickly turned chaotic.

View photos The thugs crawl under the safety wire. Source: 7 News More

Footage shows the thugs pulling up in a silver car before they then bail out of the vehicle, armed with baseball bats and hammers.

The attendant knows he's about to be the victim of a violent armed robbery and runs for his life, locking himself in a back room.

The thieves were quick to crawl under the safety wire while one wreaked havoc in the shop, smashing evertything he can.

View photos The thugs were caught on CCTV but had their faces covered. Source: 7 News More

The group target cigarettes, piling as many packets as they can into a bag, before turning their attention to the till, managing to grab $1000.

As the group collects their weapons and makes a run for it, one is seen helping himself to a drink.

The worker's car then cops it in a final senseless act of destruction.

View photos An employee said some workers don't feel safe anymore. Source: 7 News More

"They were just crazy, they are breaking the doors, they are breaking our freezer door, our freezer glass and everything," an employee of the business said.

However, despite this, it was business as usual the next day but the worker's say they are on edge.

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