Alleged Perth axe attacker charged

A 23-year-old man who allegedly attacked a deli worker with an axe and forced a Perth primary school into lockdown has been charged.

Police say the man, of no fixed address, tried to rob the Merriwa deli on Tuesday morning but left empty handed, then struck the shop attendant on the arm and leg with an axe when confronted trying to steal the victim's car.

They say the offender was arrested during a search warrant at a local house and charged with three offences including attempted aggravated armed robbery.

He will appear before the Joondalup Magistrates Court later on Thursday.