Four men have been charged over an alleged armed robbery and police pursuit in the Newcastle region overnight.

Just after 10.30pm (Wednesday 25 April 2018), police were called to a licensed premises on Maryland Drive, Maryland, following reports a group of men, allegedly armed with weapons, entered the venue.

The group threatened a 29-year-old staff member and demanded cash. They fled the scene with a sum of cash in a black Holden Commodore.

Police attended and established a crime scene and commenced inquiries.

A short time later, officers attached to Lake Macquarie and Newcastle City Police Districts located the Holden Commodore on Frederick Street at Glendale and attempted to stop the vehicle.

A pursuit was initiated and continued until the vehicle stopped in Rayford Street at Warners Bay.

With assistance from NSW Police Force Dog Unit, four men were located nearby and arrested.

Two of the men were taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment to injuries sustained during their arrest.

Following their release they were taken to Newcastle Police Station.

All four men – aged 30, 26, 25 and 24 – have been charged with robbery in company whilst armed with an offensive weapon.

They’ve been bail refused to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Thursday 26 April 2018).