By Annette Shailer
Three men armed with a double barrel shotgun have robbed a pub in Sydney’s west, terrifying staff and patrons.
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate the three males responsible for the overnight armed robbery of the Bankstown hotel.
Just before 2am yesterday (Jul 22), a security guard and hotel employee were collecting the takings from poker machines when three robbers climbed over an external wall and entered the Hume Highway hotel.
Six patrons were ordered to lie on the floor as the thieves, armed with a double barrel shotgun, bailed up staff.
One of the robbers stole a tray of cash and the intruders climbed back over the wall to an adjacent lane.
Police from the Bankstown Local Area Command arrived at the scene moments later and carried out a search of the area.
One of the robbers is described as between 170 and 175cm tall with a solid build. He was wearing a dark, hooded jumper; blue and white tracksuit pants and white joggers. His face was covered with black material, possibly a t-shirt.
The second male is described as 180cm tall with a thin build. He was last seen wearing a white, hooded jumper; black tracksuit pants and white joggers. He was wearing a black balaclava and was armed with the shotgun.
The third male was wearing a maroon hooded jumper and dark pants.
Bankstown detectives are investigating the incident and are appealing for anyone with information to contact police via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.