newy.com.au – Detectives have released CCTV footage as they continue to investigate an armed robbery at the historic Erringhi Hotel in Clarence Town, where a man was allegedly assaulted by two masked men armed with a baseball bat and a firearm.
Emergency services were called to the Grey Street licensed premises about 6am on Thursday, June 4, after reports of an armed robbery. Police said officers from the Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were told a 52-year-old man had been attacked by two men, who then left the scene in the victim’s vehicle with stolen cash.
The man was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition with head injuries. Police established a crime scene at the hotel and detectives began an investigation into the circumstances of the robbery.
The vehicle was found abandoned a short time later on Rifle Street in Clarence Town. It was towed from the scene and is undergoing forensic examination.
The Erringhi Hotel, at 21 Grey Street, is a long-running country pub in the centre of Clarence Town. The hotel’s name reflects the area’s early history, with Clarence Town formerly known as Erringhi, a local Aboriginal word meaning “place of little black duck”. Historical records identify the current hotel as having been built in 1913, after the former Crown Inn was destroyed by fire.
As part of their investigation, detectives have released CCTV footage of two men they believe may be able to assist with inquiries. The first man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 190 centimetres tall, of skinny build and with an Australian accent. Police said he was last seen wearing blue trackpants, a dark-coloured zip-up jacket, black and yellow gloves and a dark balaclava.
The second man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 178 centimetres tall, of solid build and with an Australian accent. He was last seen wearing dark pants, a dark-coloured hooded jacket, black and white gloves and a dark balaclava.
Police are urging anyone who can identify the men, or anyone with information about the incident, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers website. Information is treated confidentially, and the public is reminded not to report information through NSW Police social media pages.
