A man will face court today following an alleged armed robbery in Sydney’s south-west.

About 6.20pm yesterday (Thursday 19 September 2013), a man allegedly entered a newsagency on Maclaurin Avenue, Bankstown, and threatened a 48-year-old male employee with a firearm, before demanding money.

A short time later, the alleged offender ran from the store empty-handed and was chased by the employee and a nearby witness.

The victims were allegedly threatened with the firearm again, and the offender managed to escape after he got into a silver vehicle which drove away.

Police were called to the location and commenced an investigation into the incident.

Following inquiries, police attended a house on Sewell Avenue, Padstow Heights, about 1.10am today (Friday 20 September 2013) where they arrested a 19-year-old man.

He was taken to Bankstown Police Station, where he was charged with armed robbery with an offensive weapon, assault with offensive weapon and stealing.

He was refused bail and will appear in Bankstown Local Court today (Friday 20 September 2013).

Inquiries into the incident continue.