Police have arrested a 48-year-old man following two alleged armed robbery incidents in the Newcastle area on Friday morning. The incidents occurred within about three hours, with police responding first to an alleged attempted robbery at a newsagency in New Lambton before a second incident was reported at a service station in Warners Bay.

The first incident was reported at about 8am at a newsagency in New Lambton. Police allege a man entered the business and threatened an employee with a knife measuring about 30 centimetres. The employee refused to hand over money, and the alleged robbery attempt was unsuccessful.

Approximately three hours later, police were called to an Ampol service station on King Street in Warners Bay after another employee was allegedly threatened by a hooded man carrying a knife. Police allege the man escaped from the service station with a small amount of cash.

Officers established crime scenes at both locations as they began investigating whether the two incidents were connected. Investigators subsequently tracked a suspect to a residence on Fassifern Road in Fassifern, where a 48-year-old man was arrested.

Police said they are not searching for any additional suspects in connection with the incidents. No injuries were reported during either alleged robbery.

The investigation remains ongoing, with police expected to examine evidence from both locations as they work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged offences. Charges were expected to follow the man's arrest.

The incidents have prompted renewed attention to the safety of workers at local retail businesses and service stations, particularly when employees are confronted by offenders allegedly carrying weapons. While the alleged incidents happened in different Newcastle-area suburbs, their close timing and similar circumstances led investigators to examine a possible connection.

The man remains an accused person and the allegations have not been proven in court. Any further court proceedings will determine the charges and circumstances surrounding the incidents.