Police are investigating after an armed robbery in Newcastle yesterday.

Just before 7am (Sunday 24 April 2016), a male shop assistant was behind the counter at a service station on Sandgate Road, Birmingham Gardens, when unknown man approached.

Police have been told the man, who was armed with a firearm, hit the window of the business fracturing the glass. He then walked over to the front door and kicked it open.

The male shop assistant ran out the side door of the business and contacted police.

It is believed the man took a number of cigarettes packets, before fleeing the scene.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Local Area Command established a crime scene and commenced an investigation.

As inquiries continue, police would like to speak to a man who was last seen wearing a dark hooded jacket, light grey tracksuit pants, blue joggers and blue and white striped bandana.