Raymond Dates, 26, Jermain Dates, 24, Adam Egan, 25, and Tahi Puru, 31, were formally refused bail in Newcastle Local Court on Thursday following their arrest after an alleged police pursuit that ended in Warners Bay.

The men stand accused of storming the Maryland Tavern about 10.30pm and threatening a staff member with baseball bats, knives and a taser. According to court documents, $20,000 was stolen from the pub.

A Holden Commodore was seen fleeing the scene and police said they spotted the car at Glendale a short time later.  The car was stopped on Rayford Street, Warners Bay, with four men arrested nearby.

Two men sported large grazes on their faces in court. They will reappear on June 20.