A 30-year-old man was working at a food store on Mayne Street, Murrurundi about 4.15pm Tuesday, when a man entered the store without wearing a face mask, police said.

The store employee offered the man a mask, but it is alleged the man became verbally aggressive towards the worker and left the store.

A short time later, the man returned to the store and walked behind the counter, before the employee was allegedly assaulted repeatedly. Police claim the man also attempted to drag the worker from the store while threatening him.

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Customers went to the aid of the injured employee, and the man left the scene.

The store employee was treated at the scene by paramedics for cuts and bruises to his face and swelling to his left eye, before being taken to Murrurundi Hospital. He has since been released.

Officers from Hunter Valley Police District were called and commenced investigations.

Following inquiries, police attended a home on Rosella Street, Murrurundi, and arrested a 53-year-old man.

He was taken to Muswellbrook Police Station where he was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The man was granted conditional bail, to appear at Scone Local Court on November 18.

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