knife-wielding masked robbers.

The Ohio couple, aged 55 and 52, were attacked by the two men at the White Sands Hotel -- and were rescued by hotel night manager Mark Browne who heard screams and tackled the robbers.

Yesterday Mr. Browne said: "The guests were very distressed. If the Police catch the culprits they want to come back and prosecute them.'' He played down his own role, adding: "I would not say I was any kind of hero.'' The incident happened on Wednesday evening when the couple were in their hotel room.

At about 9.30 p.m. there was a knock on the couple's door and when the 55-year-old husband answered he was confronted by a masked man wielding a knife.

Police spokesman Evelyn James Barnett said: "The husband attempted to close the door, but was prevented from doing so by the offender and once inside the suspect pushed the man to the floor.'' As that happened a second masked man entered the room and restrained the husband as the man with the knife threatened the wife.

"The woman's screams had apparently managed to alert the night manager, who on seeing the situation, went to help the husband but was then attacked by the man with the knife,'' added Mrs James Barnett. "A brief struggle and exchange of blows involving all five people then ensued, before the culprits fled empty handed,'' she said.

The Ohio couple suffered minor facial bruising and a stiff neck. Mr. Browne suffered several cuts to his forehead.

The couple were three days into a holiday in Bermuda and were due to leave on Saturday, but quit the Island yesterday afternoon.

"Unfortunately they cut short their holiday,'' added Mr. Browne. "They did not lose anything and the whole thing was over in 20 or 30 seconds.

"We had some calls from people offering to help the couple and we asked if there was anything we could do, but the only thing they wanted to do was go home,'' he said.

Both attackers wore ski masks with eye-holes. The man brandishing the knife is about 5 feet 9 inches tall, slimly built and wearing a dark coloured jacket.

The second man is about 5 feet 10 inches tall, of medium build and wearing dark clothing.

Police are continuing to investigate the incident and anyone with information is asked to contact Hamilton Police on 295-0011 or the Crime Stoppers number on 1-800-623-8477.

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