Police are searching for four men after a person was wounded when shots were fired during an armed robbery at North Lambton near Newcastle.

About 7pm (Sunday 19 June 2011), four men with their faces covered, entered a club in Compton Street and demanded money.

As they were leaving the premises with a sum of cash, a male patron sustained a gunshot wound.

The four men left the club and were last seen travelling in a Holden Commodore, which was later found abandoned in a nearby street.

Police and other emergency services responded to numerous Triple Zero calls and attended the club, establishing a crime scene.

A 62-year-old man from Shortland has been taken to John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition and is currently undergoing surgery for a wound to the abdomen.

A number of other club patrons have also been treated for shock.

General duties officers from Newcastle Local Area Command and surrounding LACs, plus specialised officers including the Police Dog Unit, are currently searching the area for four men.

If anyone has information about the current whereabouts of four men who may be able to assist with inquiries, members of the public are advised not to approach them, but instead to alert police immediately by calling Triple Zero.