Police are investigating an attempted armed robbery in Sydney’s south west yesterday.

About 4.30pm (Tuesday 31 May 2016), a man entered a pharmacy on Auburn Road, Birrong and threatened staff with a sharp wooden implement.

He assaulted the female attendant, before a male customer intervened and attempted to disarm the man.

Three other staff members also attempted to disarm the man by hitting him with walking sticks.

The man punched the customer and then ran from the store.

Another witness chased the man before he was last seen entering a black-coloured vehicle near Birrong Boys High School and driving off.

Police were contacted and officers from Bankstown Local Area Command attended and established a crime scene.

Detectives investigating the incident would like to speak with a man who they believe may be able to assist with their inquiries.

The man is described as being of Mediterranean / Middle Eastern appearance, about 40-years-old with a medium build and short black receding hair with some grey on the sides.

He was last seen wearing a black jumper and light-coloured pants.