New England police have spent the morning scouring the area in and around the Matilda service station on the corner of East Street and the New England Highway, after the early-morning hold-up.

The armed offenders made off with cash and cigarettes, but police said luckily no one was injured.

The incident happened at about 1.35am when two people walked into the shop.

“A console equipment attendant was working in the service station and he was alerted to people coming in through the door,” New England Acting Inspector Stuart Gray told Fairfax Media.

Police said one person, who had a balaclava covering their face, stood at the door while another man confronted the employee.

“This male was carrying what was described to be a machete or similar and is believed to be about 40cm in length,” Acting Inspector Gray said.

“He approached the victim and told him ‘if he complied, nobody will get hurt’.

“He then made demands for money and cigarettes and the victim handed over that property.”

The two offenders then fled on foot along East St with a small amount of cash and cigarettes.

Police were called and a crime scene was set up, which was combed by forensic crews on Wednesday morning.

Detectives said one of the offenders is described as having a solid build, about 160cm tall and was wearing a red hooded jumper, light grey tracksuit pants and joggers, and also had a balaclava covering their face.

The second offender is described as a Caucasian male with a medium build, about 180cm tall and is believed to be aged in his early 20s.

He was last seen wearing a blue-coloured hoodie, black-coloured tracksuit pants, which police said had three white stripes down the side and could be Adidas-branded.

He was also wearing an ear flap-hat and had part of his face covered.

Acting Inspector Gray said police had been canvassing the neighbourhood for any witnesses.

"Detectives are following up with the victim and we will obviously be looking at any CCTV that is available,” he said.

“Police are looking for any witnesses who might have seen two people in the area around the time of the incident, or who noticed any suspicious activity around the service station in the early hours of Wednesday to come forward.”

Anyone with information on the robbery or the identity of the offenders is urged to contact Armidale police on 6771 0699 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.