Knife-wielding men rob England team in Australia

Sydney, Feb 13 (UNI) England's tour of Australia reached a scary conclusion when the team's physiotherapist, Dean Conway was robbed of his wallet and mobile phone by four knife-wielding balaclava-clad men at their hotel here.

Five other squad members, including batsman Andrew Strauss, batting coach Matthew Maynard, bowling coach Kevin Shine, analyst Mark Garaway and security officer Reg Dickason witnessed a break-in at their Sydney hotel on O'Connell Street and fled to another room.

The incident occured in the wee hours of yesterday morning.

However, he was not physically harmed and the matter has been referred to police.

''It was a pretty scary affair,'' said an England team spokesman.

''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 spokesman was quoted as saying in 'Sydney Morning Herald'.

The four miscreants broke into the hotel and forced staff to the ground, demanding money and the location of the safe. The thieves then zeroed in on Mr Conway, who had separated from his five compatriots to take a phone call in the lobby, according to England team and police sources.

The thieves were still at large and were were last seen driving down O'Connell Street in a white sedan.

UNI