Masked gunmen forced their way into the home of a Shropshire family before firing a shot and leaving two people injured.

The gang of four or five balaclava-clad men threatened the terrified family with a gun during the burglary at a home in Hilton, near Bridgnorth, at about 10.45pm last night.

The men fired the gun, thought to be a shotgun, into furnishings and demanded the keys to the family’s BMW.

Two of the four people, a husband and wife, suffered slight head and facial injuries.

The husband was cut on the side of the head after being hit by one of the gang and his wife suffered a cut to her mouth caused when the offenders forced the front door open. The couple’s 18-year-old daughter and her boyfriend fled the house as the gunman opened fire.

The teenager’s boyfriend punched one of the burglars as they made their escape via the back of the house.

The pair scrambled over two garden fences before frantically banging on a neighbour’s window.

Today the neighbours who called the police spoke of the horrifying incident. The man, who wished not to be named, said: “They banged the back window after they climbed over the fences at the back.

“They were here and her mum and dad were in the house with somebody who had a gun. They wanted the car.”

Police today said the gang fled as the husband went upstairs to find his car keys and were only in the house for a matter of minutes. Armed police, police helicopter and paramedics were called to the scene.

John Hawker, a spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service, confirmed that paramedics treated two people for injuries at the scene and another person for shock. No-one required hospital treatment.

Today the detached house was sealed off by police and forensic evidence was marked on the driveway where the family’s three cars remained.

Detective Inspector Mick 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 and are appealing for information.”

He said extra police patrols would take to the streets in the Hilton area over the next few days.

Anyone with information should contact police on 0300 333 3000.