A NIGHT porter at the Farnham House Hotel in Alton Road, Farnham, was beaten and subjected to a terrifying ordeal by robbers in the early hours of Sunday.

The three robbers forced their way in through a set of French doors at the rear of the hotel some time between 4-15 and 6-30 am. The duty night porter went to investigate the noise and was confronted by a man wearing a balaclava.

After ordering the porter to lie down, the intruders blindfolded him and tied his hands together before demanding the safe keys.

When the porter, a 42-year-old man from Bordon, said that he did not have the keys, he was beaten.

The intruders then made off with spirits and wines, a cigarette machine containing cigarettes, and £200 cash.

The alcohol stolen included bottles of Moët and Chandon and Louis Dornier champagne, Cuvée Saint Pierre red and white wine and Bluestone Ridge red and white wine, valued at a total of £500.

The wine is particularly unusual, as it is only available through the trade.

The intruders also escaped with more than £500 worth of spirits, including one-and-a-half litre bottles of Gordon's gin, Bacardi, Famous Grouse Whisky and Smirnoff Red Label vodka, which are all meant for optics and have the labels on the bottles printed upside down.

The cigarette machine contained £500 worth of cigarettes in vending machine packs of 16 or 18, with brand names including Band H, Silk Cut, Marlboro Lights and Lambert and Butler.

The porter was taken to Frimley Park Hospital where he was treated for injuries to his arm and later discharged.

Detective Constable Paddy Mayers, who is investigating the robbery, said: "The night porter was subjected to a terrifying ordeal, which involved the use of quite unnecessary levels of violence when no resistance was offered.

"We are keen to identify the offenders as soon as possible and would appeal to members of the public who are offered any of the stolen items, or anyone with any information, to contact police immediately."

Anyone with any information should contact Dc Mayers at Farnham police station on 01252 716262, or, if they prefer to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.