The pair, clad in balaclavas and carrying shotguns, broke into a house on Deerlands Avenue, Parson Cross, demanding cash before striking at a house on Yew Lane, Ecclesfield, just three hours later.

In the first armed raid the thugs got away with cash but the second time they struck they were challenged by the owner of the house - a middle-aged man - who hurled a beer can at them.

They fled before making any demands but shot the man in his foot as they fled.

The man, who works in the car trade, underwent treatment at the Northern General Hospital to remove pellets from his foot.

Detectives today say they believe the same pair were responsible for both raids.

DCI Clive Wain said of the second incident: "Two men went into the house wearing balaclava type masks and carrying shotguns and were seen by the occupier straight away. Before they had the chance to make any demands he hurled an object at them and they made their escape, shooting him in the foot as they did.

"There was such a lot of confusion the man didn't even realise he had been shot until after they had gone. We don't know if they wanted money or the cars he had on his drive.

"Because the way they operated was exactly the same as an incident close by three hours earlier we are linking the two and on that occasion they just asked for money.

"We are very concerned about these incidents and the course the second one took with the firearm being discharged, and are treating them very, very seriously, but do believe they were specifically targeted rather than random.

"We have high visibility patrols in Ecclesfield and Parson Cross to reassure the public and we are working hard to identify the individuals responsible."

Anyone with information should call Ecclesfield CID on 0114 2202020.

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