POLICE this week appealed for witnesses after armed burglars broke into a village home near Bridgnorth. Four or five men wearing balaclavas forced their way into the home in Hilton at about 10.45pm on Monday.
A gun, thought to be a shotgun, was discharged into furnishings, as the men threatened the occupants and demanded keys to the family car. Two of the four people in the house – the husband and wife – were slightly hurt. The husband was cut on the head after being struck by one of the offenders and his wife received a cut to her mouth, caused by the front door as it was forced open. Their daughter and another man were not hurt.
But police said one of the offenders may have needed medical attention after one of the victims fought back.
Detective Inspector Mick Homden, the senior investigating officer, said one of the occupants – a man – punched one of the offenders on the side of the head.
“He struck him with such force that he actually broke a bone in his hand and it’s possible he caused an injury which required medical treatment.
“If any doctor has treated a man with a suspicious head injury since Monday night, or if anyone knows someone who has suffered such an injury in unexplained circumstances, I would ask them to please contact police.”
The offenders fled as the husband went upstairs to find his car keys. Detective Inspector Homden said: “This is an extremely serious incident in which a firearm was discharged. Fortunately, no-one was seriously hurt and it appears the offenders left empty-handed.
“We are conducting inquiries in and around the village of Hilton and are appealing for any information which might assist.
“In particular, we want to hear from anyone who spotted anything on Monday night which might be connected to the crime – either before it took place at 10.45pm or afterwards as they made their escape.”
He said information should be passed to Bridgnorth or Shrewsbury police stations on 0300-3333000, or alternatively to the anonymous Crimestoppers number, 0800-555111.
“We are also anxious to hear from anyone who has spotted individuals acting suspiciously in the village over the past few days and weeks as the culprits may have previously been in the area,” said DI Homden. He added that extra police patrols will be conducted in the Hilton area over the next few days to provide reassurance to the local community and also to help gain relevant information.