Police are appealing for information following an attempted armed robbery at Bateau Bay last night.

About 10pm (Sunday 30 March 2014), a 56-year-old employee of a hotel, on the corner of the Central Coast Highway and Lumley Drive, was walking towards his car when he saw two people approaching the entrance of the hotel.

The employee told them the hotel was closed for the night, but one of the pair allegedly pointed a pistol at the employee and demanded he open the front door.

Police have been told the other person was allegedly carrying a shotgun or rifle.

The employee ran away and the pair were last seen running through the hotel car park towards Cresthaven Avenue.

Police from Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Command attended the hotel and established a crime scene.

Officers believe the people, who were dressed in black and had their faces covered, left when they failed to gain access to the hotel.

Detectives investigating are appealing for anyone with information about the incident to come forward.