Police are investigating an armed robbery at a hotel in Merrylands West today.

About 10.10am (Wednesday 15 October 2014) police were called to the hotel on Sherwood Road.

A man walked into the premises, with a firearm, and demanded cash from the employee at the bar.

The staff member complied and the man took the cash and left via the back door.

Police attended and established a crime scene. A police dog and handler attended to assist with the search.

The man has been described to police as Middle Eastern/Mediterranean in appearance, large build, wearing a black hoodie, with white writing on the back, and white joggers. His face was covered during the robbery.