Police are appealing for information following an attempted armed robbery at a newsagency near Wollongong yesterday.

About 5am (Wednesday 15 November 2017), an employee was working at a newsagency in Cowper Street, Warrawong, when he was threatened by a man with a knife who was demanding money.

The employee slapped the armed man causing him to flee empty-handed.

No one was injured during the incident.

Police from Lake Illawarra Local Area Command attended and secured a crime scene.

They are now hoping to speak to a man described as being aged between 20 and 30, about 175-185cm tall, with a thin build and short light brown coloured hair.

At the time he was wearing a black long-sleeved jumper, black tracksuit pants that are possibly ‘Everlast’ brand, and shoes that are black, white, and grey coloured and appear to be ‘Nike’ brand.

Investigations are continuing.