Police are searching for a man following an armed robbery near Port Stephens this afternoon.

Shortly before 1.30pm today (Monday 30 April 2018), police were called to licensed premises on Shoal Bay Road at Shoal Bay following reports of an armed robbery.

Police have been told that a man wearing a motorcycle helmet entered the premises and demanded money.

He left the premises with cash and was approached by a 24-year-old male employee. The man produced a knife and the staff member was stabbed in the face.

The employee was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital for treatment to lacerations to his face.

The offender fled from the area on foot empty handed and was last seen running in a southerly direction along Tomaree Road.

He is described as wearing a silver motorcycle helmet and gloves.