A terrified shop assistant was viciously assaulted by two raiders during an attempted robbery on a Shropshire newsagents today.

Two men burst into the Stars News shop in Princess Drive, Bridgnorth, at about 6.30am threatening staff and demanding money.

The young woman assistant was hit on the back of her head but escaped serious injury, suffering minor bruising to her neck.

The two raiders fled empty-handed moments later when confronted by a male member of staff. It is thought they got into a car and sped off towards the main A442 road.

Police have now launched a major investigation in a bid to trace the culprits.

Inspector Rik Klair, of West Mercia Police, appealed for witnesses to come forward to help the investigation.

“We are anxious to hear from anyone who may have spotted these two men, either at the shop or as they made their escape,” said Mr Klair.

“In particular, people may have spotted the getaway vehicle being driven at speed through Bridgnorth, possibly on the A442 Kidderminster Road between 6.30am and 7.05am.

Police officers were this morning talking to shop staff and conducting house-to-house inquiries in the area in an attempt to gain detailed descriptions of the raiders.

The shop was closed as police conducted a finger-tip search of the premises.

Richard Ewels, a spokesman for the police, added: “Clearly this was a serious incident and it was fortunate that no-one was seriously hurt and nothing was taken from the premises.”

West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman Suzie Fothergill said a crew was sent to the scene of the raid.

“We were called to the address to reports of an assault and sent an ambulance but the patient wasn’t actually taken to hospital,” she said.

“The woman was left in the care of her family and so if there were any injuries they were only minor.”

The shop is in a large residential area just outside the centre of the market town.

Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or who saw anyone acting suspiciously near the shop early this morning to contact Bridgnorth Police on 0300 3333000 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

By Brett Gibbons