CCTV:Feb 14/08.Dramatic footage of convenience store worker being stabbed after trying to defend himself from a robber with a baseball bat has been released.

A worker at a Melbourne 7-Eleven grabbed a baseball bat and attempted to fend off the bandit who demanded cash during an early morning raid.

But the robber jumped over the counter and attacked the store attendant, aged in his 50s.

Amazing CCVT footage released by the police today shows the two men struggling, with the shop worker stabbed several with a carving knife, times before being forced to hand over the day's takings.

Security footage shows the bandit, who appears to be in his mid-20s, stabbing the store attendant in the face and chest at a 7-Eleven convenience store in Barkly Street, St Kilda, in Melbourne's south, at 3am today.

The attendant had picked up a baseball bat from behind the counter and hit the robber across the body who,. But, instead of being deterred, the robber flew into a rage and attacked him with a knife.

The victim was rushed to The Alfred Hospital suffering lacerations to the hands, stomach and head and with several teeth knocked out.

Police Detective Sergeant Michael Grumley condemned what he described as one of the most "ferocious" attacks he had ever seen.

"Look at it for what it is: a cowardly attack on someone older working the night-shift on his own," he said.

"The offender seems reasonably fit, has a bit of size about him but is pretty desperate.

"The 'hoody' comes off during the attack leaving his face uncovered and in clear view of the camera.

"We would love public assistance. Tell us who he is. Anyone who works with him or knows him and sees the footage can help us because we need this bloke off the street."

The footage shows the robber entering the store with a 25-30cm carving knife and demanding money.

The store attendant refuses and the offender dives over the front counter, but is hit several times with the baseball bat.

The attendant grabs for the knife and ends up with lacerations to both hands, although the action probably saved his life, Det-Sgt Grumley said.

He then handed over several hundred dollars.

"I don't condone it (the baseball bat), but it was self-defence and when you are working on your own on night-shift, I can understand it," Det-Sgt Grumley said.

"We need our victims to be compliant, though. It is no good being six feet under. Hand it over - these people are desperate and will take you on.

"We need your assistance identifying offenders, and $100 is not worth your life."

Police have described the attacker as 168cm tall, with a fair complexion and stocky build, and a round unshaven face and dark hair.

At the time of the robbery he was wearing faded jeans and a black hooded pullover.

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