A BAREFOOT bandit is on the run in Melbourne’s southeast after robbing a shop and smashing a luxury car into innocent motorists.

Dozens of police units are searching Hampton Park for the man who dumped a smashed-in Mercedes Benz this afternoon after a terrifying armed robbery.

There were fears the man was armed with a gun as he escaped the vehicle and disappeared into suburban streets.

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Police have since recovered an imitation firearm but it’s not known whether that is the firearm the offender had been holding or whether the man remains armed.

The public is being asked to be on the lookout for the man, who is barefoot and of African appearance.

The drama unfolded after police were called to Cranbourne North where a convenience store worker said they had had a gun held to their head about 1.20pm.

The robber had already fled the scene, near the corner of Elizabeth St and the South Gippsland Highway.

Sen-Constable Alistair Parsons said a male offender had demanded cash from a shop worker and made threats with a gun.

“The car was then dumped on Coral Drive, Hampton Park and the offender fled in an unknown direction,” Sen-Constable Parsons said.

“Police recovered an imitation handgun from the dumped vehicle.

“No injuries have been reported to police in either of the incidents.”

The offender is perceived to be of African appearance, about 163am tall with a slim build and is believed to be barefoot.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.