Shortly after 10.30am it is alleged the youths followed a 63-year-old woman from the shopping centre to Coronation Avenue, where the elder of the pair has held a knife with a 20cm blade to her chest.

Police allege the pair fled the scene with the contents of the woman’s handbag, leaving her with minor injuries and in shock.

On Tuesday morning, police arrested the 17-year-old, who cannot be named, at a Dubbo residence hiding under a bed.

With his family in the gallery, he fronted Magistrate Paul Hayes late on Tuesday afternoon, where an application for bail was heard.

The boy’s defence solicitor told the court his client would agree to a curfew that would keep him at home between 6pm and 6am, and that between 6am and 6pm he would only leave the house while in the company of his mother.

It was put forward that such conditions would ameliorate prosecution concerns regarding the protection of the community or the alleged victim if liberty was granted.

However Magistrate Hayes outlined the “significantly serious” nature of the alleged offence, and the alleged quote of “I should have stabbed the …. when I had the chance” as reasons for not allowing bail.

Meanwhile, police have put out a call for community assistance in relation to the alleged co-offender in the incident.

Acting Crime Manager Inspector Jason Pietruszka said a 15-year-old boy is currently on their radar, and may be able to offer help.

“We have charged a 17-year-old and he is before the courts but we are also seeking a 15-year old who we believe may be able to assist with our enquiries,” Insp Pietruszka said.

“At this time we are calling on any members of the public who may have been around Coronation Avenue or at Orana Mall around 10am on Monday that may have seen two young persons acting suspiciously to come forward.”

Anyone with information that may assist police is asked to contact Dubbo Police Station on 6883 1599 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Any information can be dealt with confidentially.