Have-a-go heroes thwart car thief (From York Press)

Have-a-go heroes thwart car thief

1:15pm Friday 6th July 2007 in News By Helen Gabriel

THREE brave members of the public came to the rescue of a pensioner when a thief jumped into a his car and mowed him down.

Police are appealing for information about the incident, which happened in Piccadilly, York, at about midday on Wednesday.

The elderly man had left his Volkswagen Golf car on Piccadilly with the engine running, while he went into a nearby shop.

York Police spokesman Colin Ventress said: "When he left the shop he saw the offender was about to drive away in the vehicle.

"The man stood in front of his vehicle and the offender drove forward, catching him in the legs and knocking him to the ground.

"He drove a few feet further on and then stopped the vehicle.

"Three members of the public grabbed the driver from the car and held him until the police arrived."

The elderly man was taken to York Hospital by ambulance but his injuries were not thought to be serious.

The man who tried to steal the car has been arrested and was yesterday being questioned by police.

Anyone with information is asked to phone York Police on 0845 60 60 247.