A machete-wielding man who threatened terrified shoppers inside a crowded Canberra mall is still at large.
Dramatic footage from inside Canberra Outlet Centre in Fyshwick has been released by the n Federal Police that shows the man brandished the large blade at 3.15pm Thursday.
Emergency services responded to reports that a man and woman threatened shoppers and retail staff with the weapon after the pair allegedly tried to steal some shoes.
CCTV captured several encounters between the man as he held the machete and other people inside the centre.
It is understood the pair were loitering inside for some time before they entered the retail store to allegedly steal the pair of shoes.
They were caught on security cameras getting defensive after staff from the shop confronted them.
This prompted the man to withdraw the blade from his trousers.
From there he allegedly threatened several staffers and members of the public while making his way towards the exit.
Nobody was injured in the ordeal but several shoppers told officers the incident was ‘confronting’ for them.
Footage shows the woman was wearing activewear and carrying two bags while the man had a backpack and was wearing tight jeans and a cap.
The man and woman quickly fled from the outlet centre shortly after the threatening behaviour.
By the time police arrived the pair were gone and they are still yet to be apprehended.
ACT Police are now investigating the incident.
A manhunt has also been launched to find the blade-wielding man.
‘ACT Policing investigators would like to speak to witnesses who have not already spoken to police as well as anyone who can identify the pair or assist with their location,’ a statement read.
The man is described as caucasian with a solid build and mullet-style dark hair.
He was wearing a black T-shirt with light-coloured jeans and blue sneakers along with wearing a black backpack.
The woman is described as caucasian with long, straight dark hair and glasses.
She was wearing a dark strapless crop top, grey bike shorts and blue and white sneakers while carrying a large black tote bag and a black handbag.
Anyone with information on the two suspects or the incident in the outlet centre has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers.