The courageous actions of an employee and a bystander has seen a would-be armed robber arrested at Morpeth.
Police say a 19-year-old man entered the Spa Express grocery store on Swan Street at about 7.00pm on Monday and threatened a female employee with a knife and demanded cash.
However, an off-duty male employee intervened, punching the alleged offender in the face, suffering a superficial cut to his hand when he tried to grab the knife.
A male shopper came to his aid recovered the knife and helped to detain the 19-year-old until police arrived - he's due to face Maitland Local Court today charged with attempted armed robbery.
The alleged offender was left with a laceration to his left eyebrow as a result of the punch to the head.
Police say while they don't encourage people to intervene in such potentially dangerous situations, it's likely the young male worker will be formally recognised for his brave action.
