Police have arrested a man after an attempted armed hold-up at a northern suburbs hotel overnight.

Police will allege at about 10pm, a lone man entered the Smithfield Hotel, Main North Rd, Smithfield wearing a balaclava and carrying a pistol.  He demanded money but the staff member managed to run away and the man left empty-handed.

Witnesses provided police with a description of the suspect, vehicle and partial registration.  Patrols located a similar vehicle a short time later on Main North Road at Elizabeth North and pursued it before the vehicle stopped on Kings Road, Salisbury South and the driver was arrested.

A replica firearm was alleged found in the man’s car.

The 29-year-old man of no fixed address was charged with a number of offences, including attempted aggravated robbery, engaging in a police pursuit, driving while unlicensed, and firearms offences.  He is expected to appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court today