A FOOTBALL fan from North Yorkshire died after being attacked by a gang who tried to steal his car, police said today.

The man, believed to be 46-year-old Glyn Ellis, from Knaresborough, was on his way home after watching Manchester United's Champions League win against Zalaegerszeg at Old Trafford last night.

But as he approached his Ford Mondeo, which he had parked in nearby Salford Quays, a group of four or five people tried to steal the car, police said.

During the struggle, Mr Ellis became trapped under the car. Unable to move it, his attackers ran off empty-handed, leaving him for dead. He was later pronounced dead at the scene.

It has been reported that he was struck by the car and went under the vehicle because of the force of the impact.

A number of youths were said to have leaped from the car and fled before anyone could try to stop them. Horrified passers-by, who saw the incident, dialled 999. An ambulance and fire crews went to scene.

Firefighters spent half-an-hour trying to free Mr Ellis from under the car while paramedics battled in vain to keep him alive.

Although the dead man has not yet been formally identified, police said he is believed to be Mr Ellis. His family have been informed of his death.

A murder investigation has been launched and police were today appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Detective Superintendent Kevin Duffy said: "The victim is believed to have being attempting to retrieve his car when the group, who had perhaps been lying in wait, attempted to steal it.

"We do not yet know if the victim was run over deliberately or if the incident occurred by accident, but at this stage, the man's death is being treated as murder.

"We believe the attackers will have been on St Lawrence Quay earlier in the evening, and would appeal to anyone who can help us identify the offenders to get in touch.

"We would also like to hear from anyone who saw the incident take place."

Updated: 15:01 Wednesday, August 28, 2002