Police have commenced an investigation following an armed robbery at a restaurant in Canley Vale overnight.

Shortly before midnight police were called to a restaurant on Canley Vale Road following reports of an armed hold-up.

On arrival officers were told a man entered the premises via the back door where he approached members of staff in the kitchen.

He showed a staff member a firearm that he had in a small bag he was carrying around his neck and demanded money from the till.

A member of staff handed the man an amount of cash before he ran from the location.

He has been described as Caucasian or Mediterranean/Middle Eastern in appearance, about 170cm tall with a small build and aged in his 30’s. He had distinct lines or wrinkles on his face.

A crime scene was established while police contacted further inquiries.