By Andrew Starke
Sydney hotelier Justin Hemmes is today recovering after being caught-up in armed hold-up at the Excelsior Hotel in Surry Hills last night (June 7).
The robbery is believed to have been part of a crime spree by two men that also saw the Rose of Australia Hotel in Erskinville attacked.
In a statement, Hemmes confirmed the Excelsior Hotel had been held up by armed robbers and a small amount of cash taken from the premises.
“This incident was very upsetting for my staff, who thankfully were not injured,” he said.
”We are currently assisting police with their inquiries and hope the criminals will be arrested soon.”
The Excelsior is trading as normal today.
Police from Surry Hills Local Area Command are investigating the incident.
Witnesses told police two men – one armed with a handgun, the other with a screwdriver – entered the building in Foveaux Street in Surry Hills about 11pm.
They threatened staff and demanded cash.
The men had been handed a sum of cash when police arrived at the scene.
They then jumped into a black Audi and struck the parked police vehicle, forcing it out of the way before it was driven from the scene at high speed along Elizabeth Street.
Police secured the premises and circulated the area for the offenders.
A screwdriver, handgun and a dark Audi getaway car were also used in the Erskinville robbery about 15 minutes earlier.
To watch video of the aftermath, click here.