Three robbers took a four figure sum of cash after breaking into a hotel in Springfield on Boxing Day.
The men forced their way into the Premier Inn at the Boreham Interchange in the early hours of the morning using a shovel to force a door open.
They then assaulted the night porter before taking the money from a safe on the premises.
Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information is asked to contact Dc Martin Amundsen at Chelmsford CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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