A man has been charged following the alleged armed robbery of a Richlands take away food restaurant last night.

It will be alleged that around 7.40pm, an armed man entered the business on the corner of Progress Road and demanded staff open the cash register.

The employee refused and it will be alleged the man produced a syringe before stealing a sum of cash.

The man then allegedly became involved in a physical altercation with a male witness who was near the store.

Police arrived a short time later and took the man into custody without incident.

A 32-year-old Gailes man has been charged with armed robbery, assault occasioning bodily harm and entering premises with intent.

He is expected to appear in the Richlands Magistrates Court today.