A Northland dairy owner's armed himself with a bat and fought off four people who tried to rob his store.

Police say one of the offenders was armed with a crowbar when the group tried to hold up the Hikurangi dairy this afternoon.

The dairy owner grabbed a bat and a scuffle ensued.

The four people eventually fled, empty handed, in a blue car.

The dairy owner has a superficial head injury, which did not need medical attention.

Police remain at the scene and investigations are continuing into the incident.

Anyone who may have seen people acting suspiciously in the area of King Street, Hikurangi this afternoon is asked to contact Northland Police on 09 430 4500 or they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.