An 18-year-old man has been charged with armed robbery following an alleged hold-up at a service station in Rockingham earlier this week.

During the robbery, police allege the man threatened a service station attendant with a metal pole.

The attendant had been checking fuel levels at bowsers when the incident happened.

Brandishing a metal pole, it is alleged the man forced the employee inside and demanded money and cigarettes.

The attendant tried to grab the pole from the robber and during a struggle both received blows to the head and face.

The Waikiki man was arrested in Augusta yesterday and is expected to appear before the Rockingham Magistrate's Court today

He has been charged with armed robbery, deprivation of liberty and threats to kill.

PERTH LISA CALAUTTI