Two men, one wielding a knife, robbed a fish and chip shop in Victory Square, Nelson, making off with cash.

One of the men used his foot to smash the glass door to gain entry to the Guiseppe's Fish and Chip Shop on Toi Toi St at 7.30pm last night.

He was armed with a weapon, believed to be a knife.

Detective Sergeant Ian Langridge, of Nelson, said three employees were in the shop at the time of the robbery.

One of the alleged offenders has taken money from the till and both have fled the scene. It was not known whether they got away in a vehicle or ran from the scene.

Mr Langridge said the employees were shocked and "dealing with their emotions today as it sinks in".

They were being supported by Victim Support, and had "absolutely" done the right thing by standing aside and not confronting the alleged robbers.

A sign on the shop said it was closed today due to unforseen circumstances and would re-open tomorrow.

Mr Langridge said police wanted the public's help to catch the offenders.

One of the males was described as approximately 170cm tall, dark skinned, with black hair. He was wearing a distinctive blue and white bandana with white over his face.

He also had a dark hat or beanie and dark long sleeved top and dark pants and had black cotton gloves on.

The other male was taller and has stood outside during the incident.

Mr Langridge said the other male had a dark coloured bandana over his face and was wearing a dark hat or beanie and a possibly a yellow hoodie.

Anyone who saw anyone fitting the description of the offenders running away from the area or getting into a vehicle to contact Nelson Police.

Police were also keen to hear from anyone who had information on the robbery including, people who may have been boasting they had robbed a fish and chip shop.

Information can be given anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by calling Nelson Police on (03)546 3840.

He said the incident was serious.

"When anyone carries a weapon into a situation like that there is always a risk of someone being seriously harmed."

Mr Langridge said anyone who found themselves in a similar situation should not confront the offenders.

- © Fairfax NZ News