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Teenager 'threatens McDonald's staff with knife': 'Don't do this'

A teenager has been charged after he allegedly threatened staff with a knife at a McDonald's restaurant in Perth's southeast this week.

A shocked witness at the McDonald's in Harrisdale – about 30km south of Perth's CBD – said the whole situation was distressing for all involved.

Western Australia Police confirmed a 17-year-old entered the fast food outlet armed with a knife and demanded the staff to hand over cash.

A 17-year-old allegedly threatened McDonald's staff with a knife and demanded they hand over cash. Source: 7News
A 17-year-old allegedly threatened McDonald's staff with a knife and demanded they hand over cash. Source: 7News

Customer Danique Buncle watched the incident unfold and started filming.

In the clip, the teen is seen walking into the kitchen with a McDonald's employee, before coming out the front to the register.

“Police are on their way, mate," Ms Buncle is heard saying to the teenager calmly, telling him there are other customers watching on.

"Don't do this."

Police allege the teenager left with a sum of cash. In the video, he is seen walking away from the counter and placing the knife in the bin.

The boy was later charged with aggravated armed robbery and will appear in court later this month.

The incident happened at McDonald's in Harrisdale, in Perth. Source: Google Maps
The incident happened at McDonald's in Harrisdale, in Perth. Source: Google Maps

McDonald's staff 'de-escalated' situation

A McDonald's spokesperson confirmed the incident at the Harrisdale restaurant, saying it happened at around 5.40pm on Wednesday.

The company praised the actions of the employees working at the time of the incident and said support will be available to them.

“In accordance with our emergency response procedures, our employees successfully de-escalated the situation and immediately contacted police," the spokesperson told Yahoo News Australia.

"No one was injured in the incident and we will continue to support all employees working at the time."

The spokesperson added the safety and well-being of employees and customers is the fast food company's top priority.

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