A man clad in a makeshift cape and wearing a pair of underpants as a mask has evaded police after an alleged failed armed robbery of a beachside hotel.
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The man attempted to rob a hotel on Bay Street in Port Melbourne shortly before 2.15am on May 22 armed with a gun, police said.
He allegedly threatened a hotel worker with the firearm and demanded cash.
But staff were unable to access any money and the man grew agitated before giving up on the robbery and leaving the hotel empty-handed, police said.
"At the time of the incident, it is believed he was wearing some kind of dark material draped around him like a cape and a pair of dark coloured underpants on his head," police said.
![CCTV footage shows the man before and after he tripped, revealing the clothes under his cape. Picture supplied CCTV footage shows the man before and after he tripped, revealing the clothes under his cape. Picture supplied](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/194363481/08b986e0-1898-4a1d-be72-e6b25cb8689b.png/r0_0_1600_900_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
No staff or patrons were injured during the alleged armed robbery.
Footage released by police on May 27 shows the man tripping over the material draped around his shoulders while running down the street and turning back to face a CCTV camera wearing his improvised mask.
The footage shows he was wearing a black T-shirt, light coloured pants and white runners.
Police have been unable to find the masked man after conducting patrols of the area.
Investigators are appealing to the public for information and are hoping to speak to anyone who may have seen the man in the area in the lead up to or after the alleged robbery.
Police are also keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time who may have dash cam footage or further CCTV.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au