Police are appealing for public assistance following an armed robbery in Cessnock this morning.

About 5.30am today (Tuesday 17 January 2012), two men entered a fast food restaurant on Allandale Road, armed with a firearm and knife.

The men gained entry through the rear door of the restaurant, after they threatened one employee with a gun.

Once inside the men took an amount of money and left the premises.

Police were notified and officers attached to Central Hunter Local Area Command attended and established a crime scene which was examined by specialist forensic officers.

One of the men has been described to police as being of Caucasian appearance, mid 20’s, 168cm tall. The second male has been described to police as being of Pacific Islander/Maori appearance, late 20’s to early 30’s, solid build, dark brown eyes and dark brown eyebrows.

The restaurant was not open to the public at the time and no-one was injured during the incident.

Anyone with information should contact Cessnock Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.