Police are appealing for public assistance following an armed robbery near Maitland overnight.

About 8pm (Sunday 10 May 2015), a man entered a hotel via Young Street, Heddon Greta, and threatened the manager with a firearm.

The man fled the location with cash a short time later.

Witnesses saw the man getting into a vehicle that was parked on Young Street, near the intersection of Trenchard Street.

The vehicle was last seen heading north toward Cliftleigh.

No one was injured during the incident.

Officers attached to Central Hunter Local Area Command were contacted and launched an investigation.

A crime scene was established at the location and examined by detectives.

Inquiries into the matter are continuing and police would now like to speak with a man who may be able to assist in the investigation.

The man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged in his early 20s, about 178cm tall, with dark-coloured eyes and of a skinny build.

He was last seen wearing a dark-coloured hooded-jumper, long dark pants, tan-coloured garden style gloves and a white bandana across his face.

Anyone who knows the man’s identity, or has any information that could assist police, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.