A man robbed a petrol station only to return hours later to give the money back and apologise, police in northern California said.

Cyle Warren Abbott Jr told officers he needed cash to leave town for a fresh start, but then realised his mistake, Eureka Police Sergeant Steve Watson said.

Abbott, 23, first entered the petrol station demanding cash with what the clerk believed was a semi-automatic handgun, Sgt Watson said. The clerk gave Abbott some cash and he left, also taking two bottles of beer.

Three hours later Abbott returned, giving back most of the cash and saying he was sorry, Sgt Watson said. He added that the weapon turned out to be a BB gun, which officers have not found.

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