Man attacked in Bletchingley car robbery (From Redhill And Reigate Life)

Man attacked in Bletchingley car robbery

11:49am Wednesday 27th February 2013 in Local News

A thug punched a motorist three times before stealing his car in a “terrifying ordeal” in Bletchingley.

The attack happened in the village High Street, while the victim sat in his car parked outside the post office.

The attacker, a white man with ginger hair, first approached the victim asking him for a lift to Godstone.

The motorist refused but said he would get the offender details of a taxi company, and he got out of his car to do so. But on returning, the thug attacked him, punching him three times in the head.

The blows knocked the victim to the ground, and gave the attacker the chance to grab the car keys and steal the car.

A Surrey Police spokeswoman said the car, a red Nissan Micra, was found damaged and abandoned later the same evening by officers in Godstone. She said: “Officers believe the stolen car was driven to Godstone, up Godstone Hill, past the Shell petrol station and then back down Godstone Hill, before being abandoned in Catlin Gardens. “The car appeared to have a flat tyre for part of the journey and sparks were seen to come off the vehicle due to the rim running along the road.”

Investigating officer Detective Constable Colin Snell from Reigate CID, said: "This was not just a terrifying ordeal for the victim which will stay with him for some time, but his vehicle was damaged during the incident, which will be of great financial loss to him.” Det Con Snell said: "This type of behaviour is completely unacceptable and a thorough investigation is taking place to ensure the person responsible is brought to justice.” The robbery took place outside Bletchingley Post Office at around 8pm on Tuesday, February 19.

The attacker was described as white, around 5ft 10in tall, with short ginger hair, and was wearing jeans and a light coloured jumper. Since the offence took place, local officers from the Tandridge Safer Neighbourhood Team have been helping detectives with their investigation by holding a neighbourhood surgery in the village High Street and carrying out house-to-house enquiries. Two men have since been arrested on suspicion of robbery – a 31-year-old man and a 27-year-old man, both from the Godstone area.

They have been released on police bail until Friday, March 1, while the investigation continues. Anyone who witnessed the robbery in Bletchingley, the stolen car being driven by the offender, or the offender abandon it in Godstone, is urged to contact Surrey Police on 101, quoting reference TD/13/843.

Alternatively, people can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.