Man charged after alleged armed robbery at a Swansea tobacconist before allegedly trying to sell vapes to children at Swansea RSL Club

A man has allegedly bashed a Lake Macquarie tobacconist during a violent armed robbery before being caught trying sell stolen vapes to children at a nearby club.

A man has been charged after allegedly bashing a tobacco shop employee for 20 vapes before attempting to sell them to minors. (File picture)

A man has allegedly bashed a Lake Macquarie tobacconist during a violent armed robbery before being caught trying to sell stolen vapes to children at a nearby club.

Police were called to the Pacific Highway at Swansea about 5.50pm on Tuesday following reports that a tobacco shop employee had been robbed.

“At the scene, police were told that an unknown man entered the store before demanding vapes, before allegedly punching an employee several times,” police said in a statement.

“The man then armed himself with a broken bottle before allegedly threatening the employee and fleeing with approximately 20 vapes.”

The employee, 24, suffered swelling and redness to his face, as well as bruising to his arm, side and back during the alleged attack.

A man has been charged after allegedly assaulting a tobacconist during an armed robbery on Pacific Highway at Swansea before assaulting a youth as he attempted to sell vapes to minors at a nearby club on January 9, 2024. Picture: Google Maps

Police said officers were called to the nearby Swansea RSL Club shortly afterwards following reports a man was attempting to sell vapes at the premises.

Police will allege that the man attempted to sell vapes to minors at the club before striking a 16-year-old boy, causing a bleeding lip.

Police allege the man attempted to sell vapes, which he had stolen during an armed robbery, to teenagers at Swansea RSL Club. Picture: Google Maps.

A 25-year-old man was arrested before being taken to Belmont police station where he was charged with robbery armed with offensive weapon, affray and larceny.

He was refused bail to appear before Belmont Local Court on Thursday.