Man arrested after botched break-in in NSW

An accused housebreaker got more than he bargained for in northern NSW when he was confronted by a man brandishing a gun.

Police say the invader had a knife and a chain when he tried to force his way into a south Grafton home on Saturday night.

He was greeted by the 64-year-old armed resident who fired a shot into the ground.

Police arrived and arrested a 43-year-old man, who's been taken to hospital for minor injuries unrelated to the gunshot.

While at hospital police say the man assaulted the officer who was guarding him.

He is due to appear in the Grafton Local Court on Monday charged with aggravated break and enter with intent, two counts of using an offensive weapon with intent, and assaulting police.