Hotel worker seriously injured in armed robbery
Newcastle police are investigating after a hotel worker was seriously injured when armed men held up the Commonwealth Hotel in Newcastle.
The men are currently still on the run. Police were told two men - one with a machete and one a baseball bat - forced their way into the hotel.
A cleaner was bashed when he tried to get away from the men around 5am on Wednesday. He required CPR administered by police, before paramedics arrived. The man is currently in John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition.
The second employee was not physically injured.
It is understood the armed men fled with a substantial amount of money. One is described as of Caucasian appearance. Both are described as being in their 20s and wearing masks.
One witness said they heard "screaming" about 4.30am.
The Commonwealth Hotel has been sectioned off, drawing the presence of detectives and forensic officers to the site.
The hotel's courtesy van underwent fingerprint dusting.
Forensic officers were observed documenting items at the King Street intersection amd authorities have initiated a manhunt for the assailants as inquiries persist.
Witnesses, individuals possessing dashcam footage, or those who observed any suspicious activities in the vicinity are urged to reach out to Newcastle police or Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.
Jonathan Jackson, 28th February 2024
