Driver punched by Telford car 'thief'

A man was assaulted after challenging a suspected car thief on his own driveway in Telford, police this afternoon said.

The 30-year-old had left his car running while he popped back into his home in Birch Tree Close, Madeley, at about 6am on Monday.

Moments later he heard someone on the driveway and ran out to find a man leaning in through the driver's door.

Police said the victim asked the man what he was doing and pulled him away. The man punched the owner of the car in the face and ran away onto Station Road and along an alleyway leading onto the Silkin Way.

The victim suffered swelling and bruising to his face but did not need medical treatment.

Denise Wakefield, a Telford police spokeswoman, said: "It appears the suspect was an opportunist and saw the vehicle and decided to take a closer look. He did not manage to steal anything."

The suspect is described as a white, aged in his 30s and of medium build. He was wearing a black hooded top and dark coloured bottoms. Anyone with information can call police on 101.