Police from Darling River Local Area Command are appealing for information from the public following an armed robbery in Bourke.

About 11.30pm yesterday (Wednesday 5 September 2012), a 51-year-old man and a 16-year-old youth pulled over their Toyota Hilux onto a grassed area beside Anson Street, Bourke, and set up their swags next to the vehicle.

Two hours later, they awoke to find themselves surrounded by five men. One was armed with a knife, another with a tree branch, and a third said he had a firearm.

The men took the 51-year-old’s car keys and wallet, while punching and kicking him, and hitting him with the tree branch.

The five men then left the scene in the victims’ vehicle.

Police attended and canvassed the area. The injured man was taken to Bourke Hospital and treated for minor cuts and bruising to his head.

The Hilux was located just after 2am burnt out in nearby Alice Edward Village.

Investigators now wish to speak with five men who may be able to assist with their inquiries into this matter. They are described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, and aged between 20 and 25.