Police investigate two armed hold-ups at Ballarat

Police are investigating two armed hold-ups at Ballarat overnight.

A female staff member was mopping the floor of Hungry Jacks in the Ballarat suburb of Redan at about 10.30pm when a masked man stormed in, threatening to stab her if she didn’t get behind the counter.

Another staff member handed over cash.

The offender, described as having a solid build, was last seen running east along Rubicon Street.

Less than two hours later, two armed men stormed a gaming venue in nearby Sebastopol.

One stood watch, threatening staff, while the other grabbed an amount of cash.

Both men fled on foot.