Man charged after blood-filled syringe used in robbery at Belmont pharmacy

A man has been charged after allegedly threatening a Belmont pharmacy worker with a blood-filled syringe in a robbery on Saturday.

The man allegedly entered a pharmacy in Singleton Street, Belmont, about 3.45pm and threatened a staff member with the syringe before stealing medication and leaving the store.

Police arrested a 38-year-old man a short time later after he was allegedly found hiding in the yard of a home in May Street, Belmont. They allegedly seized the medication nearby on Church Street.

The man was charged with robbery while armed with an offensive weapon.

In a separate incident, police arrested a man who allegedly used a knife to rob a restaurant in East Maitland on Friday afternoon.

Police say the 28-year-old entered a restaurant on High Street about 3pm and approached the attendant before producing a knife and demanding money.

The employee complied and handed over cash.

The man was arrested about 3am on Saturday and charged with robbery while armed with an offensive weapon.