Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the attempted robbery of a woman at an ATM in Kingscliff yesterday.

About 5.15pm (Wednesday 14 December 2016), a 44-year-old woman was at an automated teller machine on Pearl Street when she was approached by a man.

The man, described as being Caucasian in appearance, about 173cm tall with a chubby build, light brown short hair and wearing a white T-shirt and coloured shorts, was armed with a pair of scissors and threatened the woman.

He made demands for the woman to withdraw cash from her bank account while holding the scissors at her waist.

The woman attempted to run and the armed man pursued.

Two men came out of a nearby bank and came to the aid of the woman.

The armed man ran from the area.

The matter was reported to officers from Tweed/Byron Local Area Command and an investigation is now underway.

Police would like to speak with anyone who may have information that could assist.