Police investigating the attempted robbery of a couple aged in their sixties last night are appealing for public assistance.

The 60-year-old man and his 61-year-old wife were walking around Ashfield about 9.45pm when they noticed four youths in the playground area of the primary school on Charlotte Street.

One of the youths asked the man if he had any money before the couple were threatened with an item thought to be a stick or bar.

The man told police he yelled at the youths before they walked away.

The couple then contacted police who set up a perimeter in the area and have been canvassing local residents.

One of the youths has been described as male, aged between 15 and 18 and wearing dark-coloured clothing.

Another was described as female, aged in her early to mid teens and wearing dark clothing.

Police would now like to hear from anyone who knows the youths or was in the vicinity of Charlotte Street last night and noticed anything suspicious.

Anyone who can assist investigators should contact Ashfield Police Station via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.