A man has been charged after allegedly robbing the Liberty service station on Ballina Road, Lismore early this morning.

About 2.50am today (Saturday 17 October 2020), police were called to a service station on Ballina Road, Lismore, following reports of an armed robbery.

A man allegedly entered the store, produced a firearm and threatened staff, before ordering a 19-year-old employee to hand over money.

The man fled the scene on foot with an amount of cash.

Officers from Richmond Police District attended and commenced inquiries.

A short time later, police were patrolling Brewster Street, Lismore, when they recognised a man fitting the description entering a taxi. Officers searched the man finding cash and a replica GEL pistol nearby before arresting the 27-year-old.

He was taken to Lismore Police Station, where he was charged with robbery whilst armed with a dangerous weapon and robbery whilst armed with an offensive weapon. The man has also been charged breach of bail from an offence that occurred in Goonellabah on October 4.

The man was refused bail and is due to appear in Lismore Local Court tomorrow (Sunday 18 October 2020).