Police are investigating the armed robbery of a tobacconist shop on Station Road, Indooroopilly this afternoon.

Just before 1pm today a man has approached the shop counter and asked for cigarettes. The man has then produced a syringe and what is believed to be a scalpel and demanded money from the shop assistant.

The shop assistant has refused and activated a duress alarm at which time the man has then fled the store.

The man (pictured) is described as being Caucasian, with a slim build in his early to mid-thirties and was wearing a white t-shirt, dark shorts, dark baseball cap and thongs. He was also observed to have a full length sleeve tattoo on his right arm.

Police are appealing for anyone who may recognise the man or have any information about the incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.

Crime Stoppers is a registered charity and community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service.

For all non-urgent police reporting or general police inquiries contact Policelink on 131 444 orPolicelink.qld.gov.au 24hrs a day.