Justin Hemmes was "stupid" reacting to hotel robbery

Justin Hemmes has admitted that his recent reaction to a hold-up at his hotel was "stupid".

The Australian entrepreneur, who owns various bars, hotels and nightclubs around Sydney, gave chase to the armed robbers after being held at gunpoint at one of his hotels earlier this week.

After the incident, Hemmes was seen criticising police for not chasing the perpetrators, but has since admitted that his behaviour was perhaps reckless.

He told the Herald Sun: "It was just a stupid thing to do. I just wanted to catch those b**tards. I gave chase down the street on foot and if my legs had been a bit longer, I reckon I'd have caught them."

An unnamed police source described Hemmes's behaviour as "decidedly unhelpful".

In an official statement, Superintendent Tony Crandell of New South Wales police insisted that the force had "followed all the correct protocols", adding: "To turn around and pursue those offenders [would have been] inappropriate."

Last month, Hemmes quashed rumours of a romance with interior designer Sibella Court.

He was believed to be seeing singer Natalie Imbruglia last year and was later linked to Sneaky Sound System frontwoman Connie Mitchell.

Hemmes has also denied a relationship with swimwear model Lara Bingle.