Robber starts fire at service station

A MAN allegedly set fire to a service station counter during an armed robbery on the Gold Coast.

The man walked into the Shell station on Oxley Dr at Runaway Bay about 2.30am Thursday with a shirt over his head.

Police said he then slid underneath the security wires across the counter and demanded money from the male attendant, gesturing that he had a weapon beneath a second layer of clothing.

The attendant handed over a sum of cash from one register before the man doused the counter with an unidentified liquid and set it alight.

The man fled on foot after the attendant gave him more money from a second till.

Police cannot confirm whether the man was armed, but said the attendant was able to quell the small fire and prevent extensive damage to the counter.

He was not hurt during the robbery.

Anyone with information has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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