Police are investigating an armed robbery which occurred at a hotel in Hicks Street Lara last night.

Members believe that a man hid in the male toilets at the venue around 10.30pm.

At 11.30pm a male staff member went to use the facilities and was confronted by the bandit.

A handgun was produced by the offender and the victim was frog marched into the gaming area.

The offender has then forced a female staff member to hand over a quantity of cash contained in a blue pencil case.

On receiving the loot the offender fled the venue and was last seen on Clover Street.

He is described as Caucasian, approximately 183 centimetres tall, thin build and with collar length brown hair.

At the time of the incident he was wearing a black t-shirt with white patter, white sunglasses, a red scarf and tight black jeans.