Blackbutt Hotel cleaner robbed by masked men in pre-dawn raid

Three men have surprised a pub cleaner, threatening him with a knife before attempting to get at cash within an ATM.

Robbery squad detectives are hunting a group of masked men who threatened a cleaner with a knife and attempted to steal cash from an ATM during a frightening armed robbery at the popular Blackbutt Hotel at New Lambton.

The three suspects surprised the 42-year-old cleaner outside the Orchardtown Rd pub about 4am on Tuesday, threatening him with a knife and demanding his wallet and phone.

The bandits then helped themselves inside the pub and unsuccessfully attempted to get at cash from inside an automatic teller machine.

Masked men threatened a cleaner at the Blackbutt Hotel in New Lambton. Picture: Google Maps.

The fled the scene a short time later in a car with only the contents of the cleaners wallet.

Newcastle City detectives, with the assistance from the State Crime Command’s robbery and serious crime squad, have commenced an investigation into the robbery.

They are also investigating whether the same group were responsible for another unsuccessful heist also on Tuesday morning, when thieves attempted to gain access to the Jesmond post office.

Investigators from the robbery and serious crime squad were already in Newcastle investigating the armed robbery of the Boatrowers Hotel at Stockton on December 28 where a man suffered significant facial injuries after being pistol-whipped.

The two robberies are not believed to be linked.

Detectives have made a public plea for any motorists who may have dashcam footage from Orchardtown Rd or Carnley Ave in New Lambton between 3.30am and 4.30am on Tuesday.

Information should be given to Newcastle police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.