A BRAVE building boss who refused to sit back as thieves targeted his pick-up truck was almost mown down as he tried to stop them escaping.

Darren Burridge, who was shocked into action after two men leapt into the cab of his works Mitsubishi Warrior, dived across the bonnet and banged on the window to stop them.

Even after they drove off, knocking him to the ground at the building site in Mannings Heath, Poole, the 37-year-old continued the chase on foot as the thieves sped into rush-hour traffic.

Seconds later he was joined by a workmate in a van, but the pair lost the crooks at Mannings Heath Roundabout.

Mr Burridge's wife Nina, 35, said: "Police told us this was the fourth theft of vehicles like this in one week, and that two of them have already been used in ram raids.

"My husband was at the site unloading equipment from the back of the pick-up last Thursday when they just walked past and jumped in.

"Darren said it happened really fast, but he still tried to stop them by leaning across the bonnet and banging on the window.

"But they just drove off, knocking him over. It is lucky he only got cuts and bruises.

"What is so shocking is they were so brazen. It was well planned and there is obviously an organised gang operating in the area.

"I just want people to be aware this is happening so they can take precautions."

The Wimborne couple lost a briefcase in the attack, containing a diary with information vital to their small family business.

Mrs Burridge said: "To us that diary is priceless - more important than the theft of the vehicle. We really need to get it back."