Police have charged a man after an armed robbery in Windang, within the Illawarra region, early this morning.

About 5.50am (Thursday 15 May 2014), a 23-year-old shop assistant was working in a supermarket on Windang Road, when a man approached the front door.

The attendant told the man the shop was closed. The man allegedly threatened the 23-year-old with a knife and forced his way into the shop demanding cash. The attendant complied.

The man then allegedly produced a handgun and demanded further money and the attendant’s mobile phone.

The attendant handed over the items and the man ran from the location.

Police were contacted, and Lake Illawarra Local Area Command and specialist forensic officers attended the scene.

An investigation was commenced and a short time later the officers attended a car park on Wentworth Street, Port Kembla, and arrested a 27-year-old man.

The man was taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station and charged robbery while armed with dangerous weapon, possess unauthorised firearm, destroy or damage property, and assault police.

He was refused bail to appear at Wollongong Local Court tomorrow (Friday 16 May 2014).