Operation Trident Detectives are investigating the robbery of a service station in Nightcliff early this morning.

Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Mark Bland said at approximately 2:35am today a man entered Coles Express armed with a knife.

“The offender threatened a male assistant with the knife and demanded money. He then ran from the store with a sum of cash and left the area in a red sedan,” Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Bland said.

The offender is described to be of Middle Eastern appearance, approximately 185cm tall and aged between 25 and 30. He had short dark hair with side burns and was last seen wearing dark blue jeans, a dark t-shirt with a small white motif, black shoes and a white baseball hat.

At the time of the offence the man had his face covered with a light coloured handkerchief.

Police urge anyone who may recognise this man, or anyone who witnessed the incident, to contact them on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.