TWO MASKED men who raided a hotel in Angus were last night being hunted by police.
Police said two men burst into the Links Hotel in Montrose in the early hours of Monday and threatened the night porter before stealing money from the hotel safe.
The 26-year-old staff member was left shocked but unhurt following the incident which happened at around 4.45am at the hotel.
Police were yesterday continuing to carry out inquiries, with officers going door to door in the town’s Mid Links to speak to residents.
Public and private CCTV images were also being reviewed in a bid to trace the masked men.
A police spokesman said: “One is about six feet tall and heavily built, with a large belly.
“At the time, he wore a long-sleeved grey jumper. He also wore a balaclava.
“The other is slim and wore a snood or scarf to cover his face, as well as a dark-coloured hooded top with horizontal stripes, camouflage trousers and light-coloured gloves.
“Anyone who saw individuals fitting these descriptions in the area is asked to contact Tayside Police.”
Staff at the hotel yesterday refused to speak about the incident when approached by The Courier. Requests for comment were passed to the general manager who failed to respond at the time of going to press.
Locals said they were shocked when news broke of what had happened at the popular hotel which was awarded four stars for excellence by the Scottish Tourist Board.
Jacqueline Duthie said: “Frightening when it is so close to home.”
Meanwhile, a charity bottle containing a three-figure cash sum and several bottles of spirits were stolen during an Arbroath pub break-in.
A thief broke into the Bowler’s Lounge, which is situated on Ernest Street at its junction with Walker Place, between 12.30am and 9am on Monday.
Bottles of whisky, Jagermeister and rum were stolen.
A charity bottle containing a large number of notes and coins, as well as a charity sweet box, was also taken.
Officers are keen to trace a man who was seen acting suspiciously outside the bar at about 9am.
He is described as being about 40 years old, 5ft 11in, of average build, with short dark brown hair.
Anyone who has information should call police on 0300 111 2222, or speak to any officer.
gstrachan@thecourier.co.uk