NSW: England team rocked by hotel robbery

AAP General News (Australia)
02-13-2007
NSW: England team rocked by hotel robbery

SYDNEY, Feb 13 AAP - A member of the England cricket team's medical staff was robbed
at knife-point in a terrifying attack at a Sydney hotel early yesterday that was witnessed
by five other members of the team.

England physiotherapist Dean Conway was robbed of his wallet and mobile phone after
four knife-wielding men, who wore balaclavas, broke into the Radisson Plaza Hotel in O'Connell
Street about 4.15am (AEDT) yesterday, Fairfax newspapers report.

They forced staff to the ground, demanding money and the location of the safe, then
turned their attention to Mr Conway, who had separated from five other team members to
take a phone call.

The team had been celebrating its one-day victory over Australia at the SCG the previous night.

The group of five included batsman Andrew Strauss, batting coach Matthew Maynard, bowling
coach Kevin Shine, analyst Mark Garaway and security officer Reg Dickason, Fairfax said.

They saw the break-in and fled to another room.

Mr Conway was not physically harmed.

"It was a pretty scary affair," an England team spokesman said. "Knives were produced
and threats were made, but fortunately no-one was badly hurt. It all happened quite quickly,
from all accounts, and it took everyone by surprise.

"It's probably a good thing that most of them are heading home today."

The thieves were last seen in a white sedan travelling along O'Connell Street and remained
at large last night.

Police are investigating.

AAP jrd/rs

KEYWORD: TRI ENGLAND ROBBED

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