A MAN leapt onto his van in an attempt to stop thieves driving it away, and was carried two miles to the next village.

The man, in his 50s and from Toppesfield, jumped on to his grey Austin Maestro van as thieves stole it from Gt Yeldham.

The thieves struck at 12noon then travelled two or three miles to Sible Hedingham with the owner still on the back.

An Essex police spokeswoman said: "He ended up in a front garden in Yeldham Road after being unable to maintain his hold on the vehicle."

After shaking off the owner of the van, who was unhurt but shocked, the thieves then dumped the car in Sible Hedingham and escaped in a blue Vauxhall Vectra.

Witnesses should contact Gt Yeldham police on 01787 237254 or Braintree police on 01376 551312.