The Australian Defence Force officer who claimed to have been assaulted by two men in Sydney’s west while in full uniform has withdrawn his claim with police.

The 41-year-old male claimed that he had been threatened and assaulted by two men of Middle Eastern appearance in Bella Vista on Thursday morning while on his way to work.

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He said he had suffered minor bruising.

The alleged incident followed the shooting death of an 18-year-old terror suspect and double-stabbing of police officers in Melbourne.

With community tensions running high, the claim also sparked the Australian Defence Force to warn their personnel about being careful when wearing their uniform in public.

NSW Police say they will continue their investigations into the circumstance that led to the allegation being made.

Defence force chief Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin apologised for the incident.

“On behalf of the Australian Defence Force I would like to apologise to the Australian community and in particular the middle eastern community for any angst this has caused,” he told reporters in Canberra.

The ADF will continue working with NSW police in investigating the sailor’s claim.

Air Chief Marshal Binskin said media had over-hyped his guidance to defence personnel about wearing their uniforms in public.

“They know through common sense where they should wear uniform and where it might not be right to wear uniform,” he said.