Porter tied up and dumped in hotel grounds by raiders

An unknown number of robbers wearing balaclavas walked into the Lazaat hotel and restaurant in Cottingham, near Hull, and threatened the 29-year-old before leaving him in the grounds. He lay there for up to

three hours before being discovered by staff arriving for work at 7.15am yesterday.

The robbers stole cash, believed to be hundreds of pounds, from a secure area before setting fire to part of the building as they left.

The porter did not suffer any physical injuries, but was said to be extremely shocked and was only able to begin a detailed interview with detectives yesterday afternoon.

Det Insp Pete Francis, of Humberside Police, said: "The victim is currently in a very distraught and distressed state and is being taken care of by a team of specialist officers.

"I immediately sent specialist officers to deal with him because of his emotional condition; he was devastated."

Police said the porter had been "restrained" but would not said how or what with. They also believe the thieves were armed.

The hotel was unoccupied at the time and Det Insp Francis appealed for public help.

He said: "I need the assistance of the local community to come forward if they witnessed anything suspicious between 2.30am and 7.15am.

"If you have any information, regardless how little or insignificant you think it might be, I have set up a specialist phone line to take your call."

Anyone with information can call Beverley CID on (01482) 597866.