A Shropshire entrepreneur is desperate to find out what is inside an old rusting safe he found while clearing out a county home – and he has offered to split the booty inside with anyone who can get it open.

Property developer Richard Eley, who is also the owner of the famous Eley’s pie shop in Ironbridge, stumbled across the safe while he was in the process of renovating a property in St Mary Street, Newport.

He has been intrigued ever since as to what the safe could contain – and all attempts to break it open have so far proved futile.

“I was clearing the back garden when I found the safe underneath the brambles,” said Mr Eley.

“I managed to drag it out – it’s a heavy thing – and you can hear something rattling inside.

“But there are no keys.

“I have tried staring at it, but that didn’t work!

“I have also tried picking the lock and smashing it with a sledgehammer but it is a sturdy safe and it won’t budge.

Intrigued

“I am intrigued more than anything to know what’s inside.”

Mr Eley said there was a distinct sound when the safe, which weighs around 40kg, was toppled onto its side, which seemed similar to that made by coins in a tin jar.

There is, of course, a possibility that the contents will be worthless — but the entrepreneur is clinging on to the hope of unearthing a fortune.

He added: “I cannot promise there will be anything of interest inside — it could just be pebbles for all I know.

“But I keep thinking, why would anyone lock something worthless in a safe? And a good safe at that.

“Maybe the previous owners put something very valuable inside but then lost the keys and physically could not take the safe with them.

“Or maybe someone was just having a laugh and wanted to create a bit of intrigue. I just don’t know,” he added.”

Some of the proceeds will be donated to charity.

• Anyone who can help is urged to contact the Shropshire Star on (01952) 241450 or newsroom@shropshirestar.co.uk, and we will then contact Mr Eley.

By Wayne Beese