Detectives are investigating the armed robbery of a Zillmere newsagency this morning.

Around 10am a man armed with a firearm entered the Handford Road business and ordered the female shop assistant to stand aside so he could take money from a cash register.

The man fled on foot with a sum of cash. He dropped some of the money at a nearby bus stop where a member of the public – a man who was unaware of the robbery – stopped to help him.

The good Samaritan was hit in the chest with the end of the firearm, before the man fled on foot again. The member of the public, now realising what had occurred, followed the armed man before losing sight of him when he jumped into a red car in nearby Pioneer Street.

The man is described as Caucasian, about 190cm tall, proportionate build, aged between 45 and 50 years, and wearing a blue and orange work shirt, jeans, sunglasses and a wide brimmed straw hat.

No one was physically injured during the incident.

Anyone with information in relation to this is requested to please contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.

Investigations are continuing.