Police issue appeal following unusual burglary in Tern Hill

At around 6.45pm an elderly couple suddenly became aware that three unknown men had entered their home in Garden City through the rear door.

The couple – a man and woman in their 60s - confronted the men and one of them said they were chasing some people and that they had come into the house.

Two of the men continued to talk to the couple but one of the men then made his way upstairs while he thought the couple were distracted.

The elderly man saw the third man make his way upstairs and immediately picked up his walking stick and threatened the men with it. He made his way upstairs and asked the man – who was searching through cupboards – to also leave immediately.

A police spokesman said: “Thankfully, when the elderly man picked up his walking stick and asked the three men to leave they all decided to take note of his warnings and flee the scene. The three men ran back out of the rear door where it seems a fourth man had been waiting for them.

“The men all then made off on foot and were not seen again. The elderly couple – who although shocked did not suffer any physical injuries as a result of this incident - immediately called the police and an investigation was launched.

“Police are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the Garden City area yesterday afternoon, especially anyone who may have seen the four men who targeted this elderly couple.

“The three men that entered the house are all described as being white and in their early 20s, while two of them are thought to have had Irish accents. All three men were wearing dark clothing and hats.

“Anyone who believes they may have information that could aid the investigation into this incident is asked to call police in Shropshire on 101, quoting incident number 585S 210114.

“Alternatively, please remember that Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111 if you’d rather leave information without identifying yourself.”