Police have charged a man over a string of armed robberies in Sydney’s inner west over the past month.

Between Sunday 27 May and Sunday 17 June, there were seven armed robberies in the Newtown and Leichhardt Local Area Commands.

In most instances, a screwdriver was used to threaten and steal cash from fast food outlets and convenience stores at Newtown, Camperdown and Erskineville.

An investigation had been formed to look at all the robberies, which included a public appeal for information earlier this month.

About 9.30am yesterday (Thursday 21 June), investigators working covertly approached a man standing on the footpath on Enmore Road at Enmore.

The man ran from police but was arrested after as short chase.

Police will allege the man threw a screwdriver away while being chased. It has been seized for forensic examination.

The 44-year-old was taken to Newtown Police Station where he has been charged with five counts of attempted armed robbery and two counts of being armed with intent to commit armed robbery.

He has been refused bail and will appear at Newtown Local Court later today.