POLICE searching for a pair of armed robbers who held up a popular country pub and left a staff member with serious head injuries have made a breakthrough, arresting a 38-year-old man at a shopping centre on Wednesday night.
Detectives have spent the past four weeks investigating the armed robbery of the historic Erringhi Hotel, in Grey Street, at Clarence Town.
The two armed men then stole a large amount of cash and the 52-year-old's car and fled before police arrived.
The 52-year-old was treated at the scene for head injuries, before being taken to John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition.
His vehicle was found abandoned a short time later in Rifle Street, Clarence Town, police said.
Police established a crime scene at the pub and launched an investigation to hunt down the two men, releasing CCTV footage of the hold-up last week.
The incident was caught on multiple cameras outside and inside the hotel and the footage captured two men sneaking into the licensed premises, before attacking the staff member.
And about 6.30pm on Wednesday, police made a breakthrough, arresting 38-year-old Tahi Puru at Green Hills shopping centre.
Puru was taken to Raymond Terrace police station and charged with armed robbery.
He appeared briefly in a bail division court on Thursday, and did not apply for bail.
The matter was adjourned to Newcastle Local Court in August.
A few days after the hold-up, the pub released a statement thanking first-responders and the community.
"The past few days have been incredibly challenging, and we have been overwhelmed by the kindness, support, and compassion shown by our local community and surrounding areas," the post on Facebook said.
"We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our local first responders, paramedics and police for their prompt assistance, professionalism, and ongoing support during this difficult time.
"Your dedication to our community is greatly appreciated."
