Man charged with string of armed robberies in Newcastle; police allege victims threatened with axe

A man has been arrested in relation to multiple armed robberies, including one instance where police say he threatened a man with an axe in Newcastle.

The man is due to appear in court today. Picture: Thomas Lisson

A man has been charged in relation to a string of armed robberies in Newcastle, with police alleging he threatened at least two people with a sharp object.

About 8.40am on Saturday in Wallsend, a 30-year-old man was climbing into his car on Wentworth St when he was approached by an unknown man allegedly carrying a small axe.

It’s understood that the man demanded money from the car owner, forcing the him to drive the car around the block before fleeing the area.

The first incident was then reported to the Waratah Police Station.

In a second incident about 6am on Sunday police responded to reports of a break and enter on Bull St, Cooks Hill.

Police investigated the incidents, which led to them arresting the man allegedly responsible. Picture: NewsWire / Max Mason-Hubers

Police said that despite several personal items being stolen from the home, no one was injured.

A crime scene at the home was established with police launching an investigation.

At 12.25pm on Sunday, a third incident similar to the first one was reported after a 66-year-old man went into his parked car on Parry St, Cooks Hill.

It’s there police allege that a man armed with a sharp instrument jumped into the passenger side of the elderly man’s car and demanded property.

Two other men are alleged to have assaulted the car owner who fought back.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were alerted to the incident and began investigating.

At 8.30pm that same night, police located a 21-year-old man walking along Darby Street in Cooks Hill, who allegedly fled as police tried to speak to him.

Police chased the man, and will allege that when they caught up with him and tried to arrest him, he used a steel bar in order to prevent his arrest, forcing officers to use OC spray on him.

The man was taken to the Newcastle City Police Station; where he was charged with two counts of robbery while armed with an offensive weapon; two counts with assaulting a police officer in the execution of duty; two counts of hindering police; using an offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention; aggravated breaking and entering; committing a serious indictable offence while armed; and assault.

He was refused bail and is set to face the Newcastle Local Court later today.