UPDATE: Kealba Hotel staff were threatened at gun and knife point and patrons were forced to the ground in a terrifying armed robbery in the early hours on Tuesday.
Armed Crime Taskforce Detective Acting Inspector Everett Moutsidis said two male offenders arrived at the venue in a white late-model Toyota Camry about 2.30am armed with a sawn-off shot gun and curved sword.
Detective Acting Inspector Moutsidis said the offenders threatened staff and forced patrons to the ground, before escaping with a large sum of money.
The pair was last seen on Main Road East.
“It was a brazen attack, it’s very violent … they forced their way into the premises, they were armed with weapons and they were threatening staff members and threatening patrons,” Detective Acting Inspector Moutsidis said.
“For the victims that were there at the time, they were under no illusions to what’s occurring and what the consequences would be if they were not compliant.
“The hotel has been targeted in the past, but as to whether there have been any links to this [incident] and those in the past, we say that there aren’t.”
Detectives are reviewing CCTV footage and interviewing staff and patrons about the attack.
Armed Crime Taskforce detectives are appealing for public help following the armed robbery, particularly any taxi or truck drivers who may have seen the offenders fleeing the scene.
One of the offenders was wearing a black hooded top, black track pants, cream-coloured cap and a red sheet over the top of his hoodie.
The other was wearing black track pants, grey hooded top with a black cap and a blue sheet over the top of the hoodie.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has further information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or go to www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
