Police hunt for Grafton Armidale Rd hotel armed robber

A thief smashed their way into a South Grafton pub and threatened a cleaner with a knife once inside. Here is how she got him out the door.

Police are investigating after a man broke into the Good Intent Hotel in South Grafton and threatened a cleaner with a knife.

Good Intent Hotel licensee Mark Pearce says a cleaner was left rattled after being threatened with a knife during an armed robbery at the South Grafton venue.

Mr Pearce said a man used some sort of implement to break a lock on the front door of the Armidale Street pub about 5.15am Tuesday.

He said the man then threatened a cleaner who was inside at the time with a knife and demanded money but the cleaner did not have access to any.

He said the cleaner was able to hit a panic button and the intruder fled, but not before ripping Westpac Rescue Helicopter and Legacy charity tins from the bar and taking them with him.

“He was threatening her with a knife,” Mr Pearce said.

“She was quite upset on the day and she is still a bit rattled.”

However, he said the cleaner had returned to work on Wednesday and had colleagues with her for support.

He said the hotel was also offering her support.

The intruder was last seen heading west on Norrie Street.

Police are appealing for public information to identify him.

The man is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 170cm tall and of thin build.

He was wearing dark-coloured clothing and a face covering.

Police are urging anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam footage from the nearby area between 4.30am and 5.30am on Tuesday to contact Grafton Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.