Gang hijacks parcels van

Robbers hijacked a delivery van near the centre of Newport after pouncing on the driver and pulling him from his seat.

The driver was left shocked but uninjured as the thugs sped off in his van with its load of parcels.

Police are calling for help to track down the raiders, who were last seen heading north through the town.

Police spokesman Chris Ammonds said they struck at 12.35pm yesterday in Granville Avenue.

“While a delivery van driver, who is in his mid-20s, was preparing to make a delivery, two unknown males approached his van,” he said. “The van driver opened the door and the men grabbed him and pulled him out of his seat.

“The men then jumped into the van and made off down Granville Avenue. The van was last seen turning left into Audley Road.”

Mr Ammonds said the driver was working for a national delivery company. The van contained parcels to be delivered.

“The stolen van did not have livery markings,” he said. “It is a white Ford Transit panel van with a large dent in the driver’s side front wing. It also has a dent in the side panels on the same side and the registration number is AX07 JYC.

“The driver was uninjured as a result of this robbery but is said to be shocked by it.”

The first robber is aged 20 to 25, about 5ft 8in, with brown hair and chubby. He wore a black jacket.

The second man is of similar age, but slimmer and taller and wearing a grey hooded top. Both are white.

Mr Ammonds said: “We have launched a detailed investigation into the incident. Anyone with information is asked to call Telford CID on 08457 444888.