The robbery took place on Monday afternoon at a jewellers in Kärntner Straße where the suspect pulled out a weapon and threatened two male employees.

He then fled with an unknown amount, taking a taxi to the Best Western Hotel near Landstraße.

“According to the first findings of the investigation the culprit jumped in a taxi that brought him directly in front of the hotel. Therefore one assumes he is hiding in the hotel,” said police spokesman Christoph Pölzl to APA.

The hotel was surrounded by police and then evacuated so a thorough search could be carried out inside by special forces.

The police were unable to find the suspect, however, including after searching the area surrounding the hotel.

The jewellery store employees told police that the male suspect was around 40 years old and 1.85 metres tall. At the time of the robbery he wore a dark blue jacket and light grey shoes.

Anyone with information are asked to call the Office for Crime in Vienna on 0131310–33800.