A delivery driver chased away a would-be robber despite being knocked to the ground in a blindside attack.

The van driver was delivering £2,400 worth of cigarettes in two plastic bags to the Sainsbury’s store in Carden Avenue in the Hollingdean area of Brighton at about 12.45pm yesterday.

The driver walked past a blue Ford Focus estate which had pulled up across a driveway and was then struck in the back and knocked to the ground as his attacker grabbed the bags.

Despitesuffering head and arm injuries, the delivery driver quickly got to his feet and chased the thief, pushing him so that he stumbled and released the bags.

The empty-handed thief then got back into the estate car which drove off.

The attacker is described as a white man in his early 20s, 5' 6", broad and solidly built and clean shaven.

He was wearing a grey hoodie with the hood over his head, and a blue coat.

Anyone with information is asked to call Sussex Police on 101, quoting serial 695 of 19/12, or to email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk.

 

See the latest crime figures in your area with our street-level crime map