Victoria's anti-corruption watchdog has charged a Victoria Police officer with assault following an investigation into allegations of excessive force during the arrest of a man in Melbourne's north in 2016.

Key points: The charges relate to the arrest of a man attempting an armed robbery in February 2016

The charges relate to the arrest of a man attempting an armed robbery in February 2016 An internal police investigation previously found the officer's actions were appropriate

An internal police investigation previously found the officer's actions were appropriate The officer is due to face Heidelberg Magistrates's Court on April 10

In a statement, the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) said the senior constable had been charged with two counts of common law assault over the arrest.

The charges relate to the arrest of a man in his 20s who attempted to hold up a Preston pharmacy armed with a pair of scissors in February 2016.

The man, who was having a psychotic episode, had assaulted a bus passenger and several pedestrians — including a man in his 80s — before he entered the High Street pharmacy.

He later pleaded guilty to armed robbery and assault charges, and was given a prison sentence of two years and nine months.

Allegations that excessive force was used by police during the arrest were initially investigated by Victoria Police's Professional Standards Unit.

That investigation found the actions of the police were appropriate and in accordance with the law.

The officer is due to face the Heidelberg Magistrates' Court on April 10.