The incident took place sometime between 10.45am and 11.15am on Wednesday, when the victim – a 26-year-old woman – was at home with her 2-year-old son.

She heard someone at her front door and when she opened it was greeted by a man who was flashing ID of some sort at her.

The man said he was there to see her about loft and cavity wall insulation and as this was something she was interested in she let him into her house.

However, once he had entered the house and shut the door behind him he suddenly grabbed the victim’s arm and asked her to hand over any money she had in the property.

She said she didn’t have any money but he reacted by punching her in the face.

A police spokesman said:

“Having been punched, the victim became very fearful for the safety of her and her son and therefore pointed the man towards a metal tin and a bag of loose change that were on a shelf in the hallway.

“The man picked up both items and them immediately ran back out of the front door and fled the scene. The victim did not see which direction the offender ran off in when he left the property.

“Although very shaken by this incident the victim has been able to give officers a description of the man who entered her home. He is described as being white, in his 30s or early 40s, around 5ft 9inches tall, with a slim build and short, dark, straight hair with a pronounced parting on the left side.

“The man is also described as having a goatee beard and was dressed in a black suit, white shirt and was carrying a black material laptop case on a long shoulder strap.
“Officers investigating this incident are very keen to hear from anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the Comet Drive area on Wednesday morning, or anyone who believes they may know why this address was targeted.

“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 150S 220114.

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