Police have released an image of a man who may be able to assist with inquiries after a Lake Macquarie bottle shop was held up at knife-point.

About 7.15pm on Thursday 2 May 2013, a man wearing a balaclava entered the Westlakes liquor store and threatened a female staff member with a knife, demanding money.

The man made off a short time later with an amount of cash and alcohol.

Police from Lake Macquarie Local Area Command were notified of the incident and patrolled the area, but were unable to locate the man involved.

An investigation into the robbery is now underway and police have released a CCTV image of a man they believe may be able to assist with their inquiries.

The man depicted in the image is described as being of Caucasian appearance, of a medium height and build. He is shown wearing a black coloured hooded jumper, blue jeans, black balaclava, and was carrying a back pack.