Police have released CCTV images they’re hoping will assist in the investigation of an armed robbery that occurred in western New South Wales a year ago tomorrow.

About 10.30pm on Thursday 26 January 2012, two men entered a general business store on Brookfield Avenue, Broken Hill.

The men approached the 61-year-old male owner and threatened him with a shotgun.

The 61-year-old picked up a knife from his desk and challenged the pair, but was hit across the head with a blunt object and fell to the ground.

The men tied up and gagged the 61-year-old, before stealing an amount of money from the til and fleeing.

Police from Barrier Local Area Command were contacted and attended a short time later.

The shop owner was treated by ambulance paramedics before being taken to Broken Hill Base Hospital for treatment of cuts and bruises to his head.

A crime scene was established and examined by specialist forensic officers.

Detectives have released CCTV images of two men they are hoping to speak to and who may be able to assist with the investigation.

The first man is described as having a large build and is depicted wearing a dark hooded jumper with white motif, black tracksuit pants with white stripes down the side, a yellow backpack, black gloves and a face mask.

The second man is described as having a thin build and was wearing a dark hooded jumper with white stripes down the arms, dark jeans, white gloves and had a green duffle bag.

Crime Manager of Barrier Local Area Command, Detective Inspector Michael Stoltenberg is appealing to the community for assistance.

“Although the photos we have released don’t show the faces of the men whom the police wish to interview, someone out there may recognise the clothing worn by them.

“It was an extremely traumatic incident for the shopkeeper involved and on the first anniversary of the robbery, we are appealing for anyone with information to come forward”, Detective Inspector Stoltenberg said.