Detectives are investigating an armed raid on a pub near Newcastle this morning.

About 2am today, a cleaner was inside the hotel on Orchardtown Road, New Lambton, when he was confronted by three men armed with knives and sticks.

The offenders threatened the man before stealing a significant sum of cash from a safe and the poker machines.

They then ran from the pub and were last seen heading towards Carnley Avenue.

Police from Newcastle City Local Area Command responded to the robbery and established a crime scene.

Forensics officers scoured the scene for clues.

The offenders have been described as being aged in their late teens to mid-20s and wearing hooded jumpers and tracksuit pants. They also had their faces concealed.

Investigations are ongoing and anyone with information that might be of assistance is urged to contact Newcastle Detectives via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.