Lighter threat in robbery

A man was pushed to the ground and had a cigarette lighter held up to his face during a robbery in Shropshire. He was with a woman in Jubilee Park, Whitchurch, when they were targeted by two men who demanded money.

The pair were approached by the robbers while sitting on swings in the park at about 3.40am on Sunday as they made their way home after a night out.

Police said the offenders approached the victims and began a verbal altercation with the man.

Maria Hawkaluk, West Mercia Police spokeswoman, said the woman tried to calm the situation down and walked away towards Caldecott Crescent, only to be followed by the offenders.

It was then that the man was pushed to the ground.

As he stood up, the offenders demanded his money and took £10, before holding a cigarette lighter up to his face in a threatening manner.

They then made off back towards the park, leaving both victims shaken, but uninjured.

Police today appealed for help in tracing the offenders, who were both white men in their late teens to early 20s.

The incident is being treated as a robbery and anyone who might have seen the two offenders in the area, or who knows their identity, is asked to contact police on 0300 3333000.

Both have slim builds and are about 5ft 7in tall. They were wearing dark coloured hooded tops with the hoods up.

Information can also be passed on via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.