Police are appealing for the public’s assistance following an attempted armed robbery of a convenience store in Sydney’s south west earlier this morning.

About 12.50am (Thursday 23 August 2012), a man entered the store on Chapel Street, Belmore where he approached a store employee from behind. He threatened the 25-year-old male staff member with an unknown object and demanded money.

As he led the employee to the cash register, he became hesitant and fled the store empty handed.

The employee was not injured.

Officers attached to Campsie Local Area Command attended the scene and conducted a canvass of the surrounding area.

Police would like to speak to a man described as being about 165cm tall and of medium build.

At the time of the incident, he was wearing a black-hooded long sleeve top with a red pattern on the front and black cargo pants. His face was partially covered.