Altona North Embona detectives are investigating an armed robbery which occurred at a Yarraville service station earlier this week.

Officers have been told that a man entered the service station situated on Williamstown Road near Francis Street around 4.40am on Tuesday 9 February.

The man snuck up behind the lone attendant, who was cleaning shelves, and threatened him with a pair of scissors.

The attendant was assaulted and forced to open the till.

The offender stole a small quantity of cash before leaving the store and heading east along Francis Street.

Detectives have released images and CCTV of a man who they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries.