Police from Eastern Beaches Local Area Command have released a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to in relation to an attempted armed robbery in Kingsford.

About 5.50pm yesterday (Wednesday 16 May 2012), a man armed with a 30cm bread knife walked into a restaurant on Anzac Parade and demanded money from a staff member.

The female staff member said she was unable to access the cash register and walked into a back room of the restaurant to find her manager.

While the staff member was in the back room, the armed man left the restaurant.

Police were informed of the attempted robbery and an investigation into the incident has commenced.

Detectives managing the investigation have now released an image of a man they believe may be able to assist with their inquiries.

He is described as being of Maori/Pacific Islander appearance, 185-190cm tall, with a medium build and tanned skin. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a black hooded jumper, black track pants and white gloves.