Police are appealing for information following an attempted robbery at a Whakatane dairy.

On Friday, June 22, around 5.35pm a man entered the Allandale Superette on the corner of Bridge and King streets armed with a large knife and demanded money.

Police say the shop employee was not harmed and the man left empty-handed, running south along King Street before turning right onto Churchill Street.

He is described as medium height, of stocky build, and about 30-years-old, wearing a blue hoody and light-coloured pants.

Anyone who may have any information about this man or incident is urged to contact the Whakatane Police on 07 308 5255 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.