Children's car-jacking terror

Police are appealing for help to trace two men who stole a car in Brixton with two children still on the backseat.

Diane King had parked her Nissan Prairie people-carrier on Doverfield Road to post a letter.

Her 13-year-old son and four-year-old daughter were on the backseat.

Police said two men got into the car through the driver's side which was unlocked.

Children screamed

Mrs King's son got out of the car and attempted to get his sister out.

When he could not undo her seatbelt, he jumped back in the car and the suspects drove off with the children screaming and crying.

Mrs King chased the car up the street and caught up with it when it slowed to allow another vehicle to pass.

Police said when she attempted to get into the car one of the suspects who was sitting in the rear with the children pushed her away and she was knocked to the ground.

Shaken but uninjured

Mrs King then banged on the window of the jeep which had caused the stolen car to slow down and explained that her car had been stolen with her children in it.

The jeep turned around to attempt to follow the stolen vehicle. At this point, the suspects let the children out of the car and drove off towards New Park Road.

The children were shaken but otherwise uninjured.

The suspects are both black men and are believed to be in their mid-30s.

Police want to hear from anyone who might have information about the incident which happened on Friday at 1730 GMT.

Inspector Steve Osborn of Brixton police station said: "We would like to remind people not to leave their keys in their cars, especially if they have children in the vehicles. Don't give criminals any opportunity to steal your property."