MASKED robbers tied a porter to a chair during a terrifying raid on a country hotel.

The two raiders subjected the night porter at the Mitton Hall Hotel, Mitton, to a “frightening” ordeal before stealing money from the venue’s safe.

The Mitton Road hotel - where guests from a large wedding the day before were staying - was cordoned off by police yesterday following the 5am robbery.

Detective Inspector Claire Holbrook said: “Fortunately the man was not injured but clearly this was a very frightening ordeal for him.”

She said that the porter, who is in his 20s, was tied up to a chair in the foyer of the hotel during the ordeal.

DI Holbrook said: “A large wedding had been taking place but all of the guests had gone to bed, leaving the night porter in charge of the building.

“He was alerted to a door that had been opened and went to investigate.

“Then, near the front door, the porter was approached by two men wearing balaclavas.”

She said the porter was tied to a chair by the two men who demanded the keys to the hotel’s safe.

DI Holbrook said: “The two offenders made off with several thousand pounds in cash.

“After they left, the porter was able to free himself and called the police.”

Detectives are now speaking to residents of the hotel, although it not thought that any guests were disturbed by the incident.

DI Holbrook said a “large inquiry team” was now working on the robbery.

She added: “I am keen to hear from anyone who may have seen any vehicles being driven suspiciously in Mitton Lane between 4am and 5.30am.”

One of the raiders is was described as 6ft tall with a skinny build. He was wearing a black balaclava and dark clothing.

Anyone with information can call police on 0845 1 25 35 45 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.