A man has been charged following an alleged armed robbery in Bellingen on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, with police continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

According to New South Wales Police, officers from the Coffs/Clarence Police District were called to Church Street in Bellingen at about 11pm on Friday, September 25, 2026, after receiving a report of an alleged armed robbery in a laneway.

Police responded to the location and began inquiries into what had occurred. The investigation subsequently led officers to a 35-year-old man from Bellingen, who was arrested and taken to Coffs Harbour Police Station.

The man was later charged in connection with the alleged incident. Police have not treated the allegations as established facts, and the case will proceed through the courts.

The investigation is being handled by officers attached to the Coffs/Clarence Police District, who are examining available evidence and information relating to the reported robbery. Detectives are also expected to establish the sequence of events before, during and after the alleged offence.

Armed robbery investigations generally involve detailed examination of the location, witness accounts and other available evidence. In this case, police have been working to establish what happened in the Church Street laneway and the circumstances that led to the arrest.

The incident occurred late at night, when police were notified at approximately 11pm. Officers attended after receiving information about an alleged robbery and commenced inquiries soon afterwards.

The arrest and charge represent the latest stage of the police investigation rather than a finding of guilt. Under Australia’s legal system, a person charged with an offence remains entitled to a presumption of innocence unless the allegation is proven in court.

Police investigations can continue even after an arrest and charge, particularly when officers are seeking additional evidence or information from witnesses. Authorities may also review information gathered at the scene as part of the preparation of the case for court.

The Bellingen incident comes amid continued police efforts across regional New South Wales to respond to reports of robbery and other serious offences. Local police districts investigate incidents in their respective communities while specialist units can become involved when the circumstances require additional resources.

Authorities have not indicated that the incident is connected to other reported robberies in the region. Any such connection would need to be established through evidence gathered during the investigation.

Police have urged members of the community with relevant information about criminal incidents to provide it through appropriate reporting channels rather than confronting suspects themselves.

The case remains before the legal process, and further details may become available as court proceedings and the police investigation progress.