Masked robbers armed with a knife, hammer and bat attacked the boss of a Shropshire wholesale company and forced him to hand over £2,000 in cash.

A woman assistant was forced to lie down on the floor as her boss was smashed over the head during the “terrifying” robbery.

The raiders targeted Rowlands and Co Ltd, a wholesale fruit and vegetable company in Knights Way, Battlefield Enterprise Park, Shrewsbury, shortly after 6pm yesterday.

The business, run by brothers Pete and Ian Rowlands, was still open when the robbers burst in.

Pete Rowlands, 50, was attacked by the men. Despite handing over £2,000 in cash, the robbers stripped him of his watch and mobile phone in a desperate bid to get more money.

Pete escaped serious injuries and was today recovering from his ordeal at home in Wrockwardine, Telford. His brother Ian, co-director of the company, said the business was open as usual.

He was on his way back from a business trip when he was told of the robbery.

Away

Ian said: “Pete is okay but he has not come in today. They got away with close to £2,000.

“They came in armed, one had a hammer, one had a knife and the other had a rolling pin or a rounders bat.

“They bashed him over the head with it and asked him for the money. They wouldn’t believe what he gave them, so they took his wristwatch off him as well.

“The lady who was working here was asked to lie face down on the floor – it was terrifying for them both.”

Mr Rowlands refused hospital treatment.

Inspector Nigel Humphreys, of West Mercia police, said: “We received a report of a robbery at 6.11pm yesterday in Knights Way, Battlefield Enterprise Park.

“The offenders were reported as being armed with a hammer, rolling pin and a knife. The offenders assaulted the manager and stole around £1,500 and some personal effects.

“Three males were reported as leaving the scene towards the A49. They were wearing balaclavas.”

He said: “We would urge anyone with information to contact police.”

By Crime Correspondent Kirsty Smallman