In the first, a 19-year-old man was walking down Sherry Mill Hill at around 1.45am on Saturday when he was stopped by four males who came from the Jubilee Park area.

He was threatened and assaulted by two of the group, falling into a wall and grazing his head after being hit several times.

His Toca Lite Samsung phone was stolen together with his wallet containing various cards.

The second incident happened at about 12.05am on Sunday in Bath Street, when a 26-year-old woman was approached by a man with a scarf round his face who grabbed her handbag. After a brief struggle, the bag’s handle broke and the offender made off towards Iceland. Another man was stood nearby during the incident.

Detective Constable Sandy John, the investigating officer, said the victim’s pink quilted bag was still missing. It contained bank cards, driving licence, a Samsung Galaxy Ace mobile phone with a purple back cover and a set of keys with a mouse key ring.

“I am appealing for witnesses to both these robberies and would urge anyone who saw any part of the incidents or has information about the identities of those involved, to contact me at Market Drayton police station on the 101 non-emergency number.”

She said the two incidents might be linked and that four people had been arrested on suspicion of being involved in the first incident and two for the robbery on the woman. They have all been given police bail while enquiries continue.

Information can also be given to the anonymous Crimestoppers charity by calling 0800 555 111, for which a reward may be paid.