A RUTHLESS thief almost mowed down a grandfather after stealing his van and pocketing the keys to another of his vehicles which was stolen an hour later.

Tony Featherstone, 59, says he is traumatised after being dragged along his drive when he tried to stop a man from stealing his van.

Within an hour another vehicle belonging to Mr Featherstone was stolen from a depot in High Wycombe using the keys which were on the seat of the van.

The incident took place on Sunday, May 22 at around 8.15pm when Mr Featherstone's newly bought Berlingo van was taken from outside his house on Hazlemere Road, Penn.

While trying to stop the thief steal his van, Mr Featherstone was dragged along by the car sustaining a badly swollen arm.

Mr Featherstone told the Free Press: "I've hardly eaten or slept since it happened. It's devastating. It's worse than a bereavement."

Mr Featherstone described the moment his van was taken He said: "I shouted to him you're not taking this'. I thought he was going to run me down and take that van at any cost."

The other vehicle which was stolen from a depot in High Wycombe was, according to Mr Featherstone, directly under a CCTV camera.

Police describe the man as white, 5ft 9in tall, of small build with short brown hair. He is believed to be between 18 and 20 years old.

He was dropped off at the scene in an old, small maroon car which sped from the scene and has yet to be traced.

Anyone with information should call PC Chris Davidson on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111