The 29-year-old woman and 26-year-old man were arrested in Warialda on Friday morning by the dog unit following a massive police operation that saw the local school forced into lockdown.

The chase was sparked after armed offenders stormed a service station in Bellata about 2.30am on Friday.

“The alleged offenders demanded money before fleeing with a quantity of stolen property and cash,” Barwon Inspector Cheryl Day told The Leader.

“No one was hurt during that incident.”

Inspector Day would not be drawn on the weapons used in the hold-up but said police were alerted and launched patrols for a suspected stolen vehicle before it was intercepted near Moree.

“Patrols by officers from Barwon Local Area Command resulted in a lengthy pursuit from Moree to Warialda early [on Friday] morning,” she said.

“About 8am the vehicle was found abandoned at Warialda Showground.”

Police called in the dog squad who later tracked the man and woman about an hour later hiding in the showground area.

They were arrested and taken to Moree Police Station and were still being questioned by investigators late on Friday. Officers recovered a quantity of the stolen goods from the robbery in the car.

The manhunt forced the Warialda school into lockdown with parents told not to attend and a planned assembly abandoned.

Several officers continued to patrol the area on Friday and investigations continue.

“Officers attached to Barwon LAC established crime scenes with the forensic services group,” Inspector Day said, confirming the offenders allegedly trespassed through a number of rural properties during the chase.

“Anyone with further information on the incidents is urged to contact Barwon police.”