Police are looking for three people who broke into Mount Hutton shopping centre earlier this morning.
The offenders set off the centre's alarm after breaking into Nicci's cafe at about 4am.
Senior Constable Juan Mahoney said three Bakers Delight employees went to investigate the scene.
"One of the offender's has fallen to the ground and one of the offenders has attempted to grab hold of the offender," Senior Constable Mahoney told 2NUR.FM, "The offender has gotten to his feet and swung an iron bar at the man, striking him to the back of the head causing a 6cm laceration."
The offenders then fled the location.
The victim was taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment.
