A man in Australia has narrowly avoided injury after using his mobile phone to stop an arrow which was fired at him.

Police in New South Wales released two images which show the arrow lodged in the phone, after arresting the alleged attacker.

The attack happened at about 9am (local time) on 13 March, when a 43-year-old man pulled into his driveway at Nimbin.

He saw another man, who he knows, standing outside his home with a bow and arrow.

The 43-year-old lifted up his phone to take a photo, which prompted the attacker to engage the bow and fire the arrow.


Image: The attacker was arrested after firing the arrow

The arrow went through his phone and hit him in the chin. He did not require medical treatment but was left with a small laceration.

Police were called and arrested a 39-year-old man at the scene.

He was taken to a police station and charged with armed with intent to commit an indictable offence, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and malicious damage.

He was bailed to appear in court on 15 April.