Gunpoint raid on village hotel
AXE-WIELDING armed robbers struck at a West Norfolk hotel, threatening a staff member at gun-point before escaping without a trace.
Four men, armed with three shotgun-style weapons and an axe, targeted Northwold's Woodland Lodge Hotel, in Thetford Road, just after 11pm on Wednesday.
A male member of staff was threatened with a gun and ordered to open the safe before the robbers made off with a quantity of cash.
They left the hotel in a dark-coloured "round-shaped" saloon car, possibly a Volvo Estate.
Police made an extensive search of the area, but neither the men nor the car were found.
'BEER BELLY'
Two of the robbers are described as "young, slim and athletic" while another, thought to around 40, was described as "fat with a beer belly."
Police spokesman Miss Beth Manning said the victim had been left "extremely shaken" by the ordeal.
"This was an extremely frightening incident for the victim who thankfully escaped unhurt.
"We are appealing for any witnesses to suspicious activity or vehicles seen in the area in the run up to the robbery, to the car leaving the scene with the four men or anyone with any further information about this offence to contact police immediately," she added.
Mr Richard Holden, a senior general manager with the hotel owners, the Real Hotel Company, said the staff member had acted "sensibly and properly" during the attack, but had been left badly shaken.
"We will be keeping an eye on him to see if he needs any help and support later on.
"None of the guests were aware of what was happening, which is a blessing," he added.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Ian Young can be contacted at Downham Police on 0845 456 4567.
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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