A Brisbane man, who recently completed cancer treatment, courageously defended his business from violent robbers using a machete.

Andrew, the owner of a cash-for-gold store in Clayfield, was preparing to receive what he thought was a delivery just before 8 a.m. today.

Unexpectedly, two masked individuals, armed and wearing helmets, forced their way through the front door.

The 68-year-old store owner was struck on the head with a hammer but quickly sprang into action to protect his premises.

“The blow to my head triggered something in me,” he recounted, describing his swift response to the attack.

CCTV captured the moment Andrew pulled out a large machete, which he keeps for protection.

“I don’t think they would have thought that I would have fought back the way I did,” he said.

Andrew swung the machete as the pair advanced towards him. He was able to push them away, but did suffer some blows in the process.

He had also recently undergone a head operation to treat a severe cancer.

“I’m not a young guy, I’m not in the best of health, I’m not in the best of fitness, but I do have the will to protect mine and my own,” he said.

“And my dogs were very high on my list of priorities. I didn’t want them to get hurt in any way.”

The two armed thieves left empty-handed and remain on the run. They are believed to be injured as drops of blood were left trailing from the scene.

Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.