A 63-year-old man is fighting for his life in hospital after being run over by thieves making off with his car.

The victim is in a critical condition with serious head inquiries after being hit by the vehicle in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester.

Officers said the man saw his car being taken in a cul-de-sac called Rushmere and as he tried to run after it he was struck in nearby Nook Lane close to a mini roundabout.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said the suspects, driving the victim's red Citroen C1, fled the scene after the collision and left the victim in the road.

The car was later discovered about a mile away.


The unnamed man has been described by neighbour Kenneth Cooper as a "nice bloke" and a "really nice family guy".

Image: The car was taken in a cul-de-sac called Rushmere

Mr Cooper said the area where the theft happened was "a mecca for stealing".

The retired former soldier added: "I saw the car going down the road and it was not going at breakneck speed or anything. I thought it was him going to work, he normally did at that time.

"He's run down the ginnel (alleyway) at the bottom while the car's going around the corner."

The victim has lived in the street for about 10 years, Mr Cooper said.

"It's not unusual at all. I'm sick to death of my car being broken into if I ever leave it open," he added. "They (thieves) try your car doors."

Detectives have arrested a 46-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder and a 45-year-old woman on suspicion of assisting an offender.