A 26-year-old man was dragged along the road as he foiled an attempt by robbers to steal his van in Borehamwood, by snatching the ignition keys as the van was being driven away.

The victim, from Dunstable in Bedfordshire, had made a delivery in Borehamwood's Clifton Way at around midday on Tuesday last week, and was returning to his van when he was approached by a man wielding a wooden stick.

The robber struck the victim and during a scuffle the van keys dropped onto the ground and were picked up by a second robber, who got into the van and started to drive it away.

A Hertfordshire police spokeswoman said: "The victim managed to put his arm into the open driver's window and was dragged along for a short way. He pulled the keys out from the ignition and ran off, to prevent it being stolen."

After an unsuccessful attempt to chase the victim, the two robbers ran off.

The victim was left with a painful, bruised and swollen arm, and cuts and bruises to his chest where he was punched by a robber.

Police are appealing for witnesses, or anyone with any information, to call DC Dave Ireland on 01707 638234.

June 19, 2002 14:00