Police are investigating an armed robbery that occurred at a hotel in East Maitland late last night. About 10pm (Monday 5 December 2016), staff at the Melbourne Street hotel where closing for the night when three men armed with a baseball bat, a knife and a shotgun, entered the premises via the backdoor. The trio threatened staff and three remaining patrons while making demands for cash. One of the patrons was hit with the baseball bat as he was pushed to the floor. The men stole money from the cash registers along with two purses from female staff members before escaping via the back door. Police from Central Hunter Local Area Command responded and established a
crime scene that was later examined by local detectives and Forensic Services.During the robbery all three men had their faces covered.