A man who co-owns north Edmonton's Whistle Stop Bar and Grill is recovering from serious injuries after it's believed two men attacked him inside his business overnight.

The incident happened around 3 a.m. at 124th Street and 132nd Avenue.

Safeer Nazir runs the establishment alongside his uncle Muhammed Moqusood, whom he identifies as the victim. He tells CTV two attackers hid inside the bar until the doors were locked.

"Apparently they hid up in the ceiling there in the women's washroom and I guess when everybody left [my uncle] was putting the money away, they jumped him from behind," said Nazir.

"We're kind of upset, you know, what happened… They tied him in the chair with the masking tape and tied his feet and his hands and everything."

The assault is said to be serious in nature, with a significant blood trail remaining at the crime scene even after cleanup.

Moqusood, who suffered injuries to his face and head, eventually managed to escape and call police.

He is expected to be released from the hospital in a few days, much to the relief of his nephew.

"Once the money's gone, the money's gone... but it's not about the money, it's about the person's life, right?" said Nazir.

It's estimated tens of thousands of dollars were taken from the safe during the incident.

The Edmonton Police robbery section is now handling the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. For online resources, click here.

With Files from Bill Fortier