A DELIVERY driver who leapt on to the bonnet of his car as a thief drove off in it was thrown to the ground when the offender slammed the brakes on.

The victim was dragged along the ground and suffered grazes to his body and an injury to his hand.

The thief then drove off in the vehicle, which contained parcels for Christmas delivery.

Now police have appealed for witnesses to come forward with information.

The offence took place in Church Street in Wareham at around 4.30pm on Friday December 6.

The victim parked his car on Church Street and locked it before walking to a nearby property.

When he returned, he realised that he had dropped his keys. The engine of his vehicle was running and there was a man in the driver’s seat.

The victim attempted to stop the vehicle by leaning across the bonnet, but the offender drove off with him on the car.

The vehicle stopped abruptly on St John's Hill and the victim fell off and was dragged along the floor.

The offender is described as white, aged in his early to mid-twenties with a very thin, gaunt face and long nose. He was wearing a beanie hat with a grey jumper.

Following a search of the area, the vehicle was located in Stoborough. A quantity of parcels and a wallet were stolen.

Police Constable Clare Gillard, of Purbeck police, said: “I would urge anyone who witnessed this incident, and has not yet spoken to police, to please come forward.

“I am appealing to any motorists with a dashcam who were travelling in the area at the time to check their footage for anything relevant.

“I am also keen to hear from anyone who has any information about who was responsible to assist my investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Dorset Police on 101, quoting occurrence number 55190192162, or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.