Alberta RCMP have issued an emergency alert in a community west of Edmonton as police search for two armed men.

At 10:15 a.m. MT,  Alberta RCMP issued a critical dangerous persons alert for the community of Mayerthorpe and parts of Lac Ste. Anne County.

RCMP say two men armed with guns are on foot in the area following a robbery.

The suspects are dangerous and should not be approached, RCMP said.

The alert is in effect for the town of Mayerthorpe and areas of Lac Ste. Anne County along Highway 18 and Township Road 572, between Range Road 92 and Range Road 80.

Police say people in the area should not open their doors to strangers or pick up hitchhikers.

One suspect is described as white, about 30 years old, five feet 11 inches tall and weighing 205 pounds, with dark hair and dark eyes. The suspect was last seen wearing a cowboy hat and black sweater.

The other man is described as about six feet tall and 220 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes, wearing a black flat-brim hat with red letters.

Residents of the area are encouraged to report any possible sightings of the suspects to police.

RCMP declined to provide further details on the robbery or the ongoing police response.

An emergency alert has been issued by Alberta RCMP for the Mayerthorpe area. The area in pink shows the areas covered by the advisory. (Alberta Emergency Alerts)