Police have charged a man in relation to alleged shoplifting offences near Newcastle today.

About 2.30pm (Thursday 7 January 2016), employees at an electronic store on Abdon Close at Bennetts Green, alleged a man was attempting to steal a number of items.

When approached, the man fled but was apprehended and returned to the store, where it’s alleged he assaulted a staff member.

Officers from Lake Macquarie Local Area Command attended and arrested a 32-year-old man.

Following inquiries, police conducted a search of the man’s vehicle and located a number of items of alleged stolen property.

The man has been charged with armed with intent to commit indictable offence, shoplifting (x2), assault, goods in custody and traffic offences.

He has been refused bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Friday 8 January 2016).