About 6.50pm, Sunday (September 7), two men wearing masks entered the bottle shop on Cessnock Road and approached a 39-year old man who was working in the store.

One of the men doused him with petrol and demanded access to the safe, however, the 39-year-old man refused and ordered them out of the premises.

The pair fled empty-handed and were last seen running behind the store towards Scott Street.

The employee, who was not injured during the attack, contacted police with officers from Central Hunter Local Area Command attending the scene.

Detectives are continuing investigations into the incident and have released CCTV images of two men who they believe may be able to assist with inquiries.

The men depicted in the images are described as being aged in their 20s, about 183 centimetres tall with medium builds and wearing dark clothing including black hooded jackets, black pants and gloves.

Both men were wearing face coverings including one described as a white skull-type mask.

Police are urging anyone with information about this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page here.