Police are investigating after the armed robbery of a bottle shop in Lemon Tree Passage overnight.

About 8.45pm (Friday 29 January 2015), a man carrying an axe and wearing a scarf round his face entered the shop, which is located on Cook Parade.

A 34-year-old woman was working alone in the shop.

She has told police the man grabbed her by the arm and dragged her to the office, ordering her to open the safe.

The woman complied; however, the safe was empty.

At this time, a second man – armed with a knife, and also with his face covered – appeared in the office.

This man took the woman to the cash register. He demanded she open it and put cash into a bag.

Meanwhile, the other man took tobacco from a drawer and personal items from the woman’s handbag.

Both men then fled on foot.

The woman was not injured.

Police from Port Stephens Local Area Command are investigating this incident, and would like to speak with two men who may be able to assist with their inquiries.

They are both described only as being 170 to 180cm tall, with dark-brown eyes, black eyebrows and tanned skin.