A knife-wielding man burst into a Shropshire flat and demanded money from the terrified occupants, police said today.

Officers believe the man could have followed his victims, a man and a woman, from a takeaway in Market Drayton before forcing his way into their home in Towers Lawn.

Shortly after the victims arrived home, a man wearing dark clothing walked into the flat and demanded cash.

He then began to search the rooms before being challenged by the male victim and a fight between the two took place.

The male victim suffered minor injuries to his hand and arm as he tried to fend off the intruder.

The offender then fled the flat and made off in the direction of Cheshire Street.

Police today said despite a search by officers the offender was not found.

The incident happened between about 11.10pm and 11.20pm on Monday.

Constable Dave Bettison said the incident was being treated as a robbery and appealed for anyone who might have seen the offender or anyone acting suspiciously in the area at the time to contact police.

He said: “It is possible the offender may have followed the two victims back from Cheshire Street, where they had collected a takeaway, as he entered their home just after they got back.

“He is described as white, possibly in his late teens and wearing a black or dark hooded top and a baseball cap.

“Fortunately, the man was not seriously injured but both he and the woman were left shaken by the incident.

“A purse was stolen from the address but is not believed to have contained anything of value.”

He added such crimes were rare in Market Drayton and said CCTV footage from the town centre was being studied.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 03003 333000.