The balaclava-clad robber copped the barrage after trying to enter the BP service station while brandishing a metal bar at about 5.45am Sunday.

The service station attendant threw small bags of confectionery at the intruder to defend himself.

CCTV footage of the incident shows the offender fleeing to a getaway car parked at a petrol pump after the onslaught, where a driver and another passenger were waiting.

The trio escaped in a black Hyundai i30, which was later found burnt out in Bellbird.

Security footage showed that the car was parked alongside the premises for several minutes then moved to the petrol pump before the incident.

Central Hunter Detective Inspector Mitch Dubojski said the incident was a reminder for businesses to be vigilant about unusual behaviour.

Detective Inspector Dubojski urged people to contact police if they noticed any suspicious activity.

An employee told officers that he noticed the driver was wearing a face covering, similar to a bandanna, as the car pulled in.

The armed offender was described as wearing a balaclava, black jumper, track pants with two stripes down the side and black socks.

A third passenger was also spotted in the rear of the vehicle in black balaclava, grey jumper with black and teal sleeves, grey gloves and pink socks.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

Anyone with information about the matter is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Information can also be reported to police online at https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.