Three masked men broke into a village pub and robbed staff early this morning.
The three men, who were wearing balaclavas, targeted the Old Bull's Head in Woodhouse Eaves, near Loughborough, at 3.30am.
They confronted three members of staff who were present and stole their personal belongings. Police said the men were carrying weapons, but have not specified what.
At this stage police do not believe a "significant" amount of cash was stolen.
One staff member was assaulted and has since been discharged from hospital after receiving treatment for a minor injury.
Detective Sergeant Scott Cairns, of Leicestershire Police's serious crime team, said: "Obviously, this has been an incredibly distressing incident for the people involved and I am keen to hear from members of the public who may be able to help us with our inquiries and catch those responsible.
"We have already begun an investigation into what happened also providing extra patrols in the area but we are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time and may have any information related to this incident."
Contact Det Con Cairns on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.
