Driver knocked down by his own van as he bravely tried to stop thieves left with horrific injuries

This is the moment a brave driver is left unconscious in the road after being hit by his own van as he desperately tried to stop thieves stealing it.

The 60-year-old was hospitalised with serious injuries following the incident in Cheetham Hill, Manchester.

The dramatic CCTV footage shows two offenders climb into the purple coloured van and start reversing it out of the space.

As they are turning around, the owner comes out of a nearby building and begins chasing after them.

However, they continue to attempt to drive away and the man, who has not been named, is knocked to the ground and was left unconscious with serious injuries including severe bruising to his face.

Officers investigating the horrific raid, at around 9.30pm on Thursday, June 15, have now released the footage in the hope someone will come forward with information.

Police Constable Anthony Dickinson from GMP’s City of Manchester division said: “These men showed a total disregard for the victim’s safety, leaving him lying unconscious as they took off in his van.

“Unfortunately the injuries that the man sustained were very serious and left him hospitalised as a result of his brave attempt to stop the men taking his van."

“It is quite a busy area of Manchester, so I would urge anyone who was around at the time of the theft, or who recognises the men in the CCTV footage to please come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 9770 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.