Gardai in Cork are searching for a man who held up cleaning staff in a post-office in the north of the city this afternoon.

The man entered Mayfield Post Office, on the Kerry Road at around 2pm, only to discover that there was no cash on the premises.

He is described as 5ft 8" inchs in height, wearing sunglasses, grey tracksuit bottoms and a dark coloured hoodie.

Gardai say he was in possession of a knife and threatened staff.

There were no injuries reported and he left the scene empty handed in a blue ford fiesta.

The car has been recovered and no arrests have been made.

Gardai have appealed to anyone with any information to contact Mayfield Gardai on 021-4558510.