Mechanic hurt in bid to foil theft

A mechanic was seriously ill in hospital today after he was dragged for 100 yards by a car while trying to foil a robbery.

The man clung to the driver's door after the car was stolen from a Nissan dealership in Leyton. Police believe the thief, aged about 17, also deliberately crashed into an oncoming lorry to shake off the mechanic.

The victim, in his 30s, is in hospital with two broken legs, chest injuries and head injuries. His condition is described as serious but stable.

The incident happened yesterday at 11.55am, when three black men drove a blue Honda CRV onto the dealership forecourt. One leapt from the car and into a £9,000 Nissan Almera. The car was eventually abandoned. All three men escaped.