About 5am on October 21, three men, armed with a firearm and a machete, entered a registered club on Rankine Street, and confronted two male employees.

The two employees were struck in the head with the firearm, causing head lacerations. A female employee was escorted upstairs and forced to the floor. A fourth employee ran from the club and alerted police.

Officers from Mid North Coast Police District attended as the men ran from the club.

The men were pursued and two men, aged 37 and 27, were arrested nearby. A firearm and machete were also recovered. The third man escaped.

The two employees were treated by paramedics and taken to hospital in a stable condition.

Both men were taken to Kempsey Police Station.

The older man was charged with robbery armed with offensive weapon cause wounding/grievous bodily harm, and robbery in company cause wounding/grievous bodily harm.

The younger man was charged with robbery while armed with dangerous weapon, and robbery in company cause wounding/grievous bodily harm.

About 6.15pm, a third man was detained by a member of the public in bushland off Crescent Head Road, South Kempsey. Officers attended and arrested the 36-year-old man.

He was taken to Kempsey Police Station and charged with robbery armed with a dangerous weapon, and robbery in company cause wounding/grievous bodily harm.

All were refused bail to appear at Kempsey Local Court today, October 22.

Crime Manger of Mid North Coast Police District, Detective Chief Inspector Kim Fehon praised the quick work by his officers in effecting the arrest.

"The officers involved in today's arrest are to be commended for their quick response and efficient handling of a potentially dangerous incident." Det Ch Insp Fehon said.