Robbery with arms and wounding offences in NSW

A fearless mother has managed to ward off a man who stabbed her several times during an attempted robbery in broad daylight at a Melbourne tobacco store.

It is understood the 59-year-old woman was working alone in the shop, simply waiting for the next customer, when she was suddenly antagonised by the armed robber.

Wielding a large knife, the man ordered the woman hand over cash and cigarettes.

The woman, who does not speak much English, quickly grabbed a stool to defend herself from the violent thug.

However, he immediately managed to overpower her in an embrace, and suppressed her by holding the weapon's blade to her throat while make threats to gash her body.

At this point, the worker tried to grab a baseball bat, but was not able to use it.