HOTEL staff hurled bar stools at a would-be armed robber after he tried to hold up the staff at knifepoint on Monday night.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The attempted armed robbery of the Whitebull Hotel in Armidale is the third armed robbery in as many weeks in the city.
The man, believed to be aged about 18 to 20 years, was armed with a 30cm knife when he confronted an employee in the Marsh Street hotel about 10.15pm on Monday.
New England Detective Inspector Roger Best said CCTV had captured the latest hold-up, and forensic crews had recovered evidence at the scene.
READ ALSO:
"The staff member has thrown a number of bar stools at the offender, and another staff member has heard this disturbance and attended, and the offender has decamped from the scene," he said.
The offender left empty-handed. He's described as being Aboriginal in appearance and about 170cm tall. He was last seen wearing a black hooded jumper, black face covering and orange cap.
The Wicklow Hotel was targeted on December 23, when offenders made off with a significant amount of cash. The BP on Marsh Street was held up at knifepoint on Saturday morning.
"Detectives are investigating any potential links between the three incidents," Detective Best said.
"Investigators have canvassed witnesses and CCTV footage and are examining any links, but we would appeal for public information from anyone who might have seen the offenders in any of these incidents to come forward."
Breanna Chillingworth
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
