The teen was arrested on the weekend as part of investigations into the incident at the West Armidale convenience store about 7pm on July 6.

“Those males were wearing dark clothing and had face coverings, each of them armed with knives,” New England Detective Inspector Ann Joy said.

“They threatened the store attendant and demanded cast and left the store with a small amount of cash and cigarettes.”

The 27-year-old employee suffered bruising in the incident, police said.

After combing the crime scene, questioning witnesses, doorknocking the area and reviewing CCTV, police moved 24 hours later.

READ MORE:

“Following investigations, about 9.40pm police arrested a 17-year-old male in relation to that offence,” Detective Inspector Joy said.

“He was interviewed and charged with aggravated robbery.”

Police are still searching for the three other offenders described as being 13-18 years old, wearing dark clothing and armed with knives.

Detective Inspector Joy said the incident was the fourth robbery in a month in Armidale but they’re not believed to be linked.

“There are no evidentiary matters currently to suggest the incidents are directly linked but the incidents are of a concern,” she said.

The 17-year-old was granted conditional bail in an out-of-sessions bail hearing in Armidale Children’s Court on Sunday to return to court later this month.

Investigations into the robberies at Hungry Jacks on June 16 and Domino’s in Queen Elizabeth Drive on June 19 continue, police said.

Last Thursday, in an unrelated incident, a man aged 54, and his two friends, a man aged 57 and a woman aged 24, were inside a home on Taylor Street, Armidale.

Two men, armed with a shovel and a knife entered the home via an unlocked front door.

Police have been told the men assaulted the occupant causing a small cut to his hand, and continued threatening the other occupants with the knife as they made demands for money.

The pair stole a wallet, iPhone, keys and cash before leaving the home, police said.

Anyone with information on the robberies or who witnessed suspicious activity is urged to contact Armidale detectives on 6771 0699.