A PETROL station manager told today of the moment thieves tried to run him over after a daring forecourt attempt to stop them stealing fuel.

Ibrahim Master, 43, manager at the Griffin Head Services in Burnley Road, Huncoat, was left with cuts and bruises after the hit-and-run incident.

His suspicions were raised when the passenger of the car got out and put £20-worth of petrol in the white saloon car while the driver stayed in the car.

The man then went into the shop and hung around for about five minutes, letting other people go before him.

"I said can I help you and he said he was looking for something to eat, so I asked him to pay first. He said his mate had the money and he would go and get it but I said I would go," said Mr Master.

He told his cashier to lock the door and went outside but the man pulled the door back open before it locked and went outside.

As Mr Master approached the car he heard the passenger behind him shouting to the driver telling him to go further down the road.

"His mate sped off, tyres screeching and I gave chase. By the time I got to the car the guy had got in but the door was still open. I managed to get hold of him and tried to drag him out of the car but his mate saw this and he reversed the car at speed.

"We were on the road by this time. The door was still open and I was knocked to the floor. I don't remember anything after that."

He sustained injuries to his foot, back and legs, and was treated at Accrington Victoria Hospital but not detained. He had a further check-up the next day at Blackburn Royal Infirmary when his foot swelled up.

Police have released details of the incident, which happened at 2.15pm last Wednesday, as part of an appeal for a witness who saw the incident to come forward.

Detectives have launched a hunt for the pair and the car which they say may be from Burnley. They are warning members of the public not to approach the vehicle if spotted.

The number plate, D818 TWE or similar, was registered to a vehicle from the Burnley area but is now void on the records.

They are also appealing for anyone who saw the incident to contact them. They are also keen to speak to the man who helped up the manager after he was run over and who handed him a peice of paper containing the car's registration details.

Det Sgt Paul Broxson, of Accrington CID, said: "We are very keen to speak to anybody who may have seen what happened and to the particular witness who gave details of the car but who has yet to come forward and speak to us. This was obviously a serious incident and though we are looking for witnesses, we would urge anyone who sees this vehicle or one matching its description not to approach it or the occupants as they could be dangerous."

The driver was Asian , aged 20-22 , slim, 5ft 6ins, with dark hair, wearing a white jacket and the passenger, also Asian, was slim, 20-22 years, 5ft 6ins, with stubble, wearing a red baseball cap, dark casual top, casual trousers and possibly trainers.

Call PC Andy Walton on 01254 353767 or Crimestoppers, free and in confidence, on 0800 555 111.