BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Police are appealing for assistance following an armed robbery at a Waratah hotel this morning.

Officers were called to the Royal Inn on Station Street around 9:30am, following reports a man entered the premises and threatened patrons with a firearm before fleeing the scene with a sum of cash.

No-one was injured during the incident and police now want to hear from witnesses who may have seen a man in the area acting suspiciously between 9 and 10am.

He is described as being approximately 180cm tall, with a solid build and dressed in dark clothing.

His face was covered by a dark balaclava.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Newcastle Detectives on 4929 0999 or

Crime Stoppers.