England physio robbed by armed raiders
England's celebrating cricket party were caught up in a terrifying armed raid at their hotel in the early hours of yesterday morning shortly before leaving Australia.
Physiotherapist Dean Conway had two mobile phones and his wallet stolen by a four-strong gang, who attempted to steal the takings of the hotel in Sydney's business district.
Read more:
/pages/galleries/index.html?in_gallery_id=9777∈_page_id=1055 ">Gallery: Australia v England Final Game 2
• Ice man cometh in Fletcher's hour of need
• Physio robbed by armed raiders
• Sign up to our email sports round-up
Four others among the England group were drinking in the bar at the time and were spirited away by a member of their security staff.
Andrew Strauss, assistant coach Matthew Maynard, video analyst Mark Garaway and bowling coach Kevin Shine were toasting the surprise tri-series victory over Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground earlier in the evening.
Due to the post-11pm finish and a farewell drink with the Aussies, they did not arrive back until around 2am and the five were the remnants of a group enjoying one for the road.
Around 4am Conway went into the lobby to take a call on his mobile and was robbed by the gang, who had held up reception staff at knifepoint only to find there was no cash in the tills. The four made their getaway in a waiting car.
Nobody was hurt, although the England physio was left a little shaken. An England spokesman said: "It was a pretty scary affair. Knives were produced and threats made, but fortunately nobody was badly hurt. It all happened quite quickly from all accounts and it took everyone by surprise."
