Robbery ordeal Shropshire nightclub owner's briefcase found

Police have recovered a briefcase which was stolen from a Shropshire nightclub owner after thieves flagged down his sports car, handcuffed him and left him in a quiet country lane.

Forensic experts are now examining Costas Vanezi's briefcase, which was discovered on Sunday in Sambrook, near Newport.

However, police today said the £1,000 that was inside the briefcase had not been found.

Telford police spokeswoman Denise Wakefield said it had been handed in at Stafford police station.

Two men flagged down Mr Vanezi, who owns Pussycats in Wellington, as he drove his Audi A8 along a lane in Marsh Green, near Longdon-on-Tern, Telford, between 4.45am and 5am on Sunday.

The thieves then grabbed Mr Venezi, locked plastic handcuffs on his wrists, shoved him away from his car and drove off in it. They ran out of petrol in Chetwynd Road, Edgmond, but made off with the briefcase.

Mr Vanezi owns several businesses in Telford town centre including The Dragons Den Chinese restaurant, Club Crush & Vox Bar and The Britannia Fish Bar and Kebab House.

One of the thieves is described as white, about 5ft 8ins with a "boxer-type" nose. The second man was a little taller and a bit thinner.

Police today issued a fresh appeal for anyone with information about the incident or who may have seen the car being left to come forward. Anyone with information can call 0300 333 3000 or 0800 555 111.