AN HEROIC workman suffered horrific injuries after being run down by a callous thief who stole his van in Denshaw.
The 50-year-old road maintenance worker was putting road signs into the back of the white Ford Transit on Ripponden Road when an offender sneaked into the cab and started to drive off.
The worker bravely jumped on the bonnet of the vehicle but was thrown to the ground and as he lay prone the back wheels ran over his right leg, shattering it in two places.
An air ambulance helicopter landed in the grounds of the village hall and remained on standby until a medical team rushed the victim by road to Royal Oldham Hospital.
The incident, which stunned residents of Saddleworth’s most isolated village, completely closed the busy road which links the M62 at junction 22.
As the man, who is now in a stable condition, recovers in hospital members of the public hailed his bravery.
Geoff Haigh, owner of the landmark Rams Head a mile away, said: “The road was thronged with emergency services. The man was incredibly brave to do what he did – it takes real guts.”
Police now want to hear from anyone who has seen the white Ford Transit Gallaghers works van, YT62 AVL.
Detective Constable Leigh Carnally, based at Oldham, said: “This workman just trying to do his job when he was the victim of the worst kind of opportunist.
“It sounds strange to say when he has such horrific injuries but in a way he was fortunate not to be killed.
“Clearly the thief was so desperate to steal the van that he was determined to harm whoever got in his way.
“I now want to hear from anyone who has the stolen can or anyone who saw the incident if we haven’t yet spoken to you.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police ion 0161 856 6386 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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