Police are appealing for witnesses following an attempted armed robbery in Cairns overnight.

Preliminary investigations indicate at around 10:45pm a man approached a taxi on the corner of Loridan Drive and Adams Drive in Brinsmead.

The man produced a knife and demanded money from the taxi driver before attempting to open the taxi’s door.

The male taxi driver refused and drove away from the man before contacting police.

No one was physically injured during the attempted robbery.

The man is described as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander in appearance and was last seen wearing a white, sleeveless hooded jumper, black shorts and a cap.

Investigations are continuing.