Pictures show gun-wielding robbers Whangarei Liquor Centre

Guns were pointed a the shop workers during a robbery of a liquor store in Whangarei.

Police have released security camera pictures from a terrifying armed robbery in Whangarei as they try to track down the offenders.

The pictures clearly show two of the three heavily disguised men pointing firearms at two of the shop workers at the Whangarei Liquor Centre on Maunu Rd.

The third person, also dressed in black but wearing a blue bandanna around the face, was holding a knife during the robbery as he moved behind the counter on Wednesday about 8.42pm.

The robbers demanded cash and cigarettes and the shop workers complied, emptying money from two tills and cigarettes into a black bag and a rubbish bag before they fled on foot.

It is the third time in four years the business has been targeted and the latest incident which took just over a minute left the three workers reeling. Fortunately none of them were hurt.

The pictures were released as detectives continued to scour through the CCTV footage and piece together the robbery.

Detective Hayden Walker said the robbers had run off in the direction of First Ave, along an alleyway that linked Maunu Rd with the avenues area.

Police are considering there may have been a vehicle in the area. Officers searched the area on Thursday for any evidence but have not yet found the weapons used in the robbery.

Mr Walker appealed to members of the public to come forward if they had seen anything on the night or had heard anything since to contact police on 09 4304598 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.