A circumcision ambulance stolen in a violent carjacking has been found in a pub car park in east London.

The distinctive vehicle, an Audi TT, was taken in a robbery in Barking as the owner left a patient's house on Alderman Avenue at about 5.15pm, Wednesday.

The male victim, in his 40s, was knocked to the ground and briefly lost consciousness before awaking to see his car being driven away, police said.

A friend of the man told the Standard: "He believes they were waiting for him. They pounced on him, they ripped off his keys off his belt, and also stole his watch, before driving off with his car.”

Scotland Yard said the private ambulance, worth nearly £40,000, was found at 9.30am on Thursday in a pub car park in Newham after being spotted by a member of the public. A spokeswoman declined to name the venue for "operational reasons".

Its discovery came after neighbourhood watch group Shomrim NE London tweeted a picture of the missing vehicle in a post that was retweeted hundreds of times.

It is unknown whether the vehicle, used by a home circumcision service, has sustained any damage.

No arrests have been made. Contact police on 101 with any information.