Police: substantial amount of cash stolen in Central Hotel raid

UPDATE:

Police are appealing for information after thieves stole a substantial amount of cash The Central Hotel in Shotton

Two masked man armed with crow bars targeted the Central Hotel in Chester Road West Shotton at around 9.40pm last night, Tuesday January 23.

They entered the premises from the back and pointed to the tills before the money was handed over. No threats were made and no one was injured.

Both suspects are described as white, one was about 5ft10in tall and the other 6ft.1ins tall. They were wearing balaclavas and dark clothing.

DC Ross Tutton said; “We also  believe two other males may have been involved in this  aggravated burglary and  we are appealing for anyone with information to contact Mold CID by calling 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 quoting reference W008622.”

 From earlier:

The Central Hotel in Shotton remains closed this morning as forensics officers investigate a robbery which took place while the pub was open last night.

Police have cordoned off the Wetherspoons pub and officers are stationed at the front door, Shotton train station carpark is also sealed off.

It’s not known if any cash was taken but raiders gained access to the office which one of the pub’s duty managers was in at the time.

A police helicopter was seen up over Shotton at around 10.20pm yesterday evening, the crew performed several low circuits from around Shotton Lane area up to Connah’s Quay before leaving around 40 minutes later.

Walkway from Shotton Train Station to the rear of the pub

One person who was in Shotton at the time told Deeside.com they saw four police vehicles parked at the side of Wetherspoons while another was parked further up near the Cenotaph in Connah’s Quay.

They also said police dog handlers were searching open ground next to train station and the train station carpark directly behind the pub had been cordoned off.

A spokesperson for Wetherspoons said;

“There was a break in last night while the pub was trading. The Police attended last night and the pub will remain closed until forensics have completed their investigation. Lucky nobody was hurt but they did gain access to the office and one of the duty managers was in there.”

Police have not released any details as yet.