Detectives are conducting inquiries into an attempted armed robbery at Tweed Heads, on the NSW-Queensland border, this afternoon.

A man allegedly entered the loading dock of a supermarket, located within a shopping centre at the intersection of Wharf and Bay Streets, and confronted two staff members.

He allegedly produced a replica pistol and demanded cash.

The employees spoke with the man for a short time before he left the area and was seen to get into a small yellow hatchback.

Police from Tweed/Byron Local Area Command were alerted to the incident and commenced inquiries.

They located the hatchback in Fraser Drive, Tweed Heads South, about 4.30pm.

A replica pistol was allegedly discovered inside the vehicle.

A 26-year-old Goonellabah man was arrested and taken to Tweed Heads Police Station, where he is assisting investigators with their inquiries.