A masked banditthreatened a service station attendant with a metal pole during a robbery at the Rockingham Caltex early yesterday morning.

Police said the worker was too frightened to leave his home after the incident.

The bandit accosted the attendant as he checked fuel levels at bowsers about 3.15am on Monday.

Brandishing a metal pole, he forced the employee inside and demanded money and cigarettes.

Regional investigations group Det-Sen Const. Colin Thomas said the attendant tried to grab the pole from the robber and during a struggle both received blows to the head and face.

He said the attendant managed to escape with the pole and locked himself in a toilet until the bandit fled.

Therobber, who wore a balaclava and hooded jacket, was described as a Caucasian, about 180cm tall, of slim build, with blond or light brown hair.

"He may have cuts or injuries to his head or face from the struggle," Det-Sen. Const Thomas said.

PERTH GABRIELLE KNOWLES