Armed gang flees Taree tavern empty-handed

An armed gang has been sent packing from a tavern on the NSW north coast after staff and patrons fought back during an attempted late night robbery.

Four men wearing balaclavas and armed with a mattock and a tyre lever entered the tavern in Taree just after 11pm on Saturday and ordered the staff and patrons to get on the ground.

One of the men allegedly threw a stool at the bartender, who picked it up and threw it back, at which time other patrons and staff also began throwing objects at the group.

The four men fled empty-handed in a stolen car.

Two men, aged 15 and 18, have been arrested and charged with robbery offences while two others remain at large.

The 18-year-old was also charged with breach of bail.

Both men were refused bail and were expected to appear in court on Monday.