BY IAN CROUCH

A man will front court today (Friday) accused of assaulting and robbing a 23-year-old man at Mayfield East.

Police say the victim was walking along Omara Street just before 12.30 yesterday morning when a man approached him and demanded his wallet.

The man allegedly punched him in the face and fled with his backpack.

Following inquiries, Police went to a home on Margaret Street Mayfield East yesterday afternoon and arrested an 18-year-old man.

He’s been charged with robbery and resist officer in the execution of duty and refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court today.

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EARLIER

Police are searching for the culprit involved in a violent street robbery at Mayfield East.

A 23-year-old man was walking along Omara Street just after midnight on Thursday when he was approached by three men.

One of them demanded his wallet but when he said he didn’t have one it’s alleged the man punched him in the face, causing him to fall to the ground.

The attacker then grabbed the man’s backpack and ran off, joining the others down the road before all three ran into Ingall Street.

Police say the main culprit is described as being of African appearance in his late teens or early 20’s.

The victim suffered only minor injuries and was able to make his way home where he called police.