Security guard shot and robbed in Sydney

The security guard had a firearm on him, but did not use it during the violent struggle, before he was wounded by the two armed robbers. Photo / Thinkstock

An armed security guard has been shot multiple times and robbed of a hotel's takings during a violent struggle with two robbers in Sydney's west.

The 63-year-old man was leaving the Berala Hotel, at Berala, about 12.30pm (AEDT) with an amount of cash when two armed men ambushed him, police say.

The victim was rushed to Westmead Hospital in a critical condition to undergo surgery.

"He'd done his pick-up," Inspector Chris Hill told reporters at the crime scene.

"He was coming out of the hotel and was returning to his vehicle when he was confronted. One of the bandits was armed with a gun, the other a knife.

"A struggle ensued between the two offenders and the victim.

"During that struggle, a number of gunshots were fired and the victim suffered a number of gunshot wounds."

CCTV footage captured a red or maroon late-model coupe, possibly a Honda.

The victim was a private contractor and licensed to carry a firearm, which he did not use during the struggle.

Insp Hill agreed the offenders probably had prior knowledge of the money pick-up.

"That could be the case," he said.

A number of witnesses who saw the offenders have given statements to police.

- AAP