Police have charged a man in relation to two attempted armed robbery incidents at Runway Bay overnight.

It will be alleged that at around 9.50pm a man entered a fast food outlet on Lae Drive at Runaway Bay and assaulted a male staff member while making demands for money. The employee freed himself from the offender’s grip at which time the offender allegedly claimed to be armed with a firearm and made further demands for money. No money was handed over and the offender eventually left the premises.

The offender went to a service station next door and attempted to obtain cigarettes from the console operator. The console operator refused and the offender again allegedly made threats about having access to a firearm. The offender attempted to jump the counter but was stopped by the security wire. He then left the premises.

Police located a man a short time later nearby.

No one was injured during either incident.

A 38-year-old Southport man has been charged with one count each of attempted armed robbery, demand property with menace and deprivation of liberty.

He is expected to face Southport Magistrates Court this morning.