A man has been charged after threatening police with a tomahawk in Sandgate last night (Saturday 19 September 2015).

About 9pm, a 32-year-old man was at a house on Maitland Road, allegedly threatening self harm.

Police were called after the man was seen standing on the roadway allegedly attempting to jump in front of moving cars.

Police attended and commenced a search for the man.

A short time later, police located the man returning to the house armed with a tomahawk. He threatened police with the axe.

Police spoke with the man and he dropped the axe. A scuffle ensured with police and the man was arrested.

As a result of the scuffle, police suffered minor injuries.

The 32-year-old was taken to Newcastle City Police Station. He was charged with two counts of assault police by threatening them with a tomahawk, possess prohibited weapon, use weapon to avoid apprehension and intimidation.

He was refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Sunday 20 September 2015.