Police have arrested a man after they alleged he attempted to rob a service station with “what appeared to be a gun”.

NT Police spokesman Rob Cross said the 34-year-old man went to a Nightcliff service station about 7am on Wednesday and demanded food and money from a 27-year-old male attendant who refused his advances.

Police alleged he threatened the attendant with what appeared to be firearm and demanded money again.

The attendant ran to a storeroom and called police, while the alleged offender ran off, Mr Cross said.

Police said they have not verified if the man carried a real firearm or a toy gun or if he made off with any cash. They did not say which service station it was.

Mr Cross said the man was identified, then found and arrested in Casuarina Wednesday afternoon with the help of police dogs.

He has been charged with aggravated assault with intent to steal.

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