Police from Campsie have arrested and charged a man after detectives foiled an alleged armed robbery attempt on a club at Bexley overnight. Detectives had been conducting a routine patrol of licensed premises in the area and were outside a club in Oliver Street, Bexley North, about 12.25am, when they became suspicious of three people in the area. Detectives confronted the three – who were armed with a knife, a sledgehammer and a meat cleaver – and arrested one after a foot pursuit.

Additional police were called to the scene including the Police Dog Squad, but two other men escaped. The first man is described as being 175cm tall, with a medium to solid build, and possibly of Pacific Islander/Maori appearance. At the time he was allegedly armed with a large knife. The second man is described as being 170cm tall, thin to medium build. He was allegedly armed with sledgehammer. The captured man was taken to Campsie Police Station where he was charged with attempted armed robbery. He was refused bail to appear in Parramatta Bail Court later today.

Police will allege the 18-year-old Lakemba man was wearing gloves and had his face obscured at the time of arrest. Police also located a meat cleaver near where the man was arrested, and have sent it for forensic examination. The man was refused bail before his court appearance.

Anyone with information about these men is asked to contact Campsie Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Callers may remain anonymous if desired.