A man has been arrested and charged after allegedly putting hydrochloric acid inside what is understood to be a lubricant dispenser at a gay club in Sydney’s north-west.

Police said the 62-year-old man went into the Bridge Street premises in Rydalmere on Saturday, filling a dispenser inside a room with the highly corrosive acid.

The ABC understands the club in question is the Aarows club, which describes itself as “Sydney’s gay and bi social club” with “three levels of adult adventure”.

Items in the room had been fitted with alarms after they had previously been tampered with in a similar way, police said.

Security stopped the man before police arrested him, officers said.

Hydrochloric acid is a strong, corrosive acid which can produce burns, ulcers and scars when put into contact with skin.

The man has been charged with a range of offences, including administering poison with the intent to cause injury, distress or pain, and malicious damage.

Outside the club on Sunday one club-goer, who chose not be identified, said it was a “sick” thing to do.

“There could have been a lot of damage,” the man said.

“Hydrochloric acid is not the best sort of thing to be playing with.”

When asked what may have motivated the suspect the man said, “It could be anything really. People are perverted”.

The suspect has been granted bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court next month.