A MAN had to jump for his life after a thief stole a car during a test drive and drove it at him during his getaway.

Kieran Reed was trying to sell a black VW Golf R32 for his stepson when the conman jumped into the driver’s seat and drove off at speed.

He then turned round at drove towards Mr Reed, who stood in the road to try to prevent his escape. But with the thief showing no signs of stopping, the 62-year-old had to leap to safety to avoid being mowed down.

“I’m annoyed I let him get away with it,” Mr Reed said. “He was very confident. He was a well-practised conman.”

The incident took place on Tuesday (November 24) shortly before 2pm on Front Street, Quarrington Hill, near Durham City.

The thief visited Mr Reed in nearby Coxhoe to see the car, listed for sale for £11,475, and asked to take it for a test drive.

Mr Reed initially drove the car himself, but then agreed to pull over and let the man, who claimed to be a mechanic from Shiremoor, North Tyneside, listen to the engine and take the wheel.

However, as he got out to move to the passenger seat, the man jumped into the driver’s seat, locked the door from the inside and sped off towards Coxhoe.

He then turned round and drove back towards Quarrington Hill, forcing Mr Reed, who was standing in the road trying to flag him down, to jump out of his way.

The thief is described as in his mid-50s and about 5ft 8ins tall. He spoke with a Geordie accent and was wearing denim jeans, a dark fleece jacket and a woollen hat.

Durham Police are investigating the incident and appealing for information.

Anyone with information on the identity of the suspect or the whereabouts of the vehicle, registration NK58 KKV, is asked to call Durham Police on the non-emergency number, 101, quoting crime reference DHM-24112015-0197, or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.