Police are searching for a man believed to be behind an armed robbery about 4pm in Murwillumbah yesterday afternoon.

He is believed to have escaped after holding up the Southern Cross Credit Union in Murwillumbah’s main street by jumping a levee wall and running along the Tweed riverbank.

Shoppers and business people nearby said the first they knew of the attempted robbery was when a police four-wheel-drive and a highway patrol car, lights flashing but sirens silent, pulled up in front of the credit union about 4.25pm.

Police initially rushed behind the building to the nearby riverbank where the thief is thought to have headed north.

The credit union building, on the corner of Tumbulgum Rd and Commercial Rd, was quickly taped off with blue police crime scene tape.

A police spokeswoman said just after 4pm a man wearing a black balaclava entered the credit union and allegedly threatened staff with a firearm.

She said the man “obtained an amount of money before he ran from the scene” and was seen running north along Tumbulgum Road which follows the river.

The robber is described as being of thin build and wearing a white shirt, black beanie and dark-coloured pants.

He was also carrying a white backpack and firearm, and was last seen running north along Tumbulgum Rd.

A search for the alleged offender continues.

Anyone who saw the incident or has any other information that might help police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

People are urged not to approach the man.