Police are appealing for information following an armed robbery in the state’s north-west.

Shortly before 4.50am today (Wednesday 23 January 2013), three men allegedly armed with an axe and metal pole, entered a service station on the New England Highway at Tenterfield and threatened the store employee.

They stole an amount of cash, cigarettes and other goods from the store before fleeing in a stolen green Holden Commodore.

There were no customers in the store at the time of the incident.

Police were contacted and established a crime scene which was examined by forensic specialists.

Investigators would like to speak to four men they believe may be able to assist with their inquiries.

The first man is described as of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, aged in his early 20s, 170cm tall, and of medium build. At the time he was wearing a black/grey jumper, black pants, black shoes, white gloves and carrying a metre long metal pick up claw.

The second man is described as of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, aged in his early 20’s, 170cm tall, and of medium build. At the time he was wearing a grey jumper with black sleeves and white letters on the left side of the jumper, black shorts with a white stripe on the left leg, and black shoes with white socks.

A third man is described as of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, aged in his early 20’s, 180cm tall, and of thin build. He was wearing a black ‘Lonsdale’ hooded jumper, black   long pants, white sneakers, and orange and purple gloves. He also had a black cloth covering his face.

The fourth man remained outside the premises.

Detectives are also appealing for anyone who may have seen a green Holden Commodore, NSW registration CIV81G, which is a stolen vehicle, leaving the area at the time or who may know of its current whereabouts.