Police are investigating the attempted armed robbery of a newsagency that occurred in Stafford Heights this morning.

Initial investigations indicate at around 7.10am, a man entered the Farrant Street business and threatened an employee with an axe.

The male employee refused to cooperate with demands, and the man then ran from the store empty-handed.

The male employee was not physically injured.

The man is described as being approximately 173cm tall with a slim build. He was wearing a black balaclava, a high-visibility long-sleeved shirt, and dark coloured tracksuit pants.

Police are appealing for anyone with any information that may assist their enquires to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000

Investigations are continuing.