Man swung axe at staff in busy Rockingham shopping centre

A MAN brandished an axe at a crowded shopping centre in Rockingham on Monday afternoon.

Rockingham detectives said the incident was at 4.05pm at shops on Council Avenue.

A man attempted to leave a store without paying for the items in the trolley he was pushing.

When challenged by staff, the man produced a small axe from his shorts and swung at staff before running from the store.

The man was last seen running west through the Read Street underpass.

He was described as fair skinned, aged in his early 30s, slim build, around 170cm tall and had dark blond hair. He was wearing a red t-shirt and dark shorts.

Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or to make a report online at crimestopperswa.com.au.