Motorist beaten up tackling thief

A motorist was beaten when he tackled a suspected thief whom he found sitting in his car.

The owner of the Ford Escort spotted the man in the driver's seat of his car, which was parked outside his home in Swan Road, Gloucester.

"The owner went outside and pulled the man from the vehicle. A tussle ensued," said a police spokesman.

The 56-year-old victim was punched to the face and back several times and was treated in hospital for his injuries.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which happened just after 0300 GMT on Sunday.

The offender, and another man, were seen running off towards Alvin Road after the attack.