POLICE today launched a nationwide manhunt for three armed intruders after a North Yorkshire man was hurt while confronting them in his garden.

Peter Stephenson suffered minor head injuries as he grappled with the strangers, who were armed with a shotgun when he disturbed them on his land at Kepwick Hall, near Northallerton.

Mr Stephenson's shocked wife Karen was with him during the confrontation, which ended when an unsuspecting visitor arrived and had her car hijacked by the armed trio as they made their getaway.

During the confrontation the shotgun went off, but police are not sure whether the gun caused Mr Stephenson's injuries.

He was expected to be released from Northallerton's Friarage Hospital later today.

Investigating officer DI Debbie Matthews told a press conference this afternoon: "Mr Stephenson and his partner Karen had been walking behind the house when they saw the three men and challenged them.

"Two shots were fired and Mr Stephenson was injured although we are not sure if he had been shot or not."

More than 20 officers are working on the case and expect to carry out house to house inquiries in the village.

Mr Stephenson was expected to be interviewed later today.

The hijacked car in which the intruders escaped is a silver Peugeot with the registration number W783 WAJ.

DI Matthews said: "We have alerted all police forces to be on the lookout for this car and we ask members of the public to let us know if they see anything.

"We do urge them to be vigilant because these people were armed and could be dangerous."

Anybody with information is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 01609 768060.

Updated: 14:57 Wednesday, July 31, 2002