A MECHANIC last night described the moment he was dragged along a road after giving chase to carjackers in a North-East village.

Father-of-two David Campbell, 35, said he acted on impulse when a man jumped into his parents' Mercedes car, which was being serviced at his garage in Longbeck Road, Marske, east Cleveland.

The ordeal began at about 2pm on Thursday when two men in a white van pulled up outside the garage.

Mr Campbell, who lives in Great Ayton, said: "I was just checking the wheels when a man jumped into the driver's side and started to pull away.

"I immediately ran round to the driver's side, jumped on to the sill, and grabbed hold of the door and the lad at the same time.

"He carried on up the road for about 500 yards travelling around 30mph. I could see a car in front and the lad was not fully in control. I realised I needed to jump off."

The offender crashed into a parked Ford Escort before abandoning the Mercedes in Ryans Row, Marske.

He was then seen running off and to the waiting white van.

Mr Campbell sustained cuts and bruises after the incident.

Detective Constable Sonja Moss, of Cleveland Police, said: "This is a disturbing incident where an innocent member of the public has bravely tried to prevent the theft of his family car.

"This type of offence is rare. However, investigating officers are determined to bring the people responsible to justice."

Mr Campbell said: "I realised afterwards that it was a bit silly to chase, but you don't think at the time.

"It was only when I was on the car going up the road, which is a very narrow road with cars parked either side, I was thinking, 'if he swerves to the side, I am going to be crushed'.

"My wife thinks I was trying to be a stuntman, but then she called me an idiot.

"My mother was very upset and at first it didn't really hit home until about an hour later. My father was really upset."

The offender is described as about 20 years old, 5ft 8in, and of medium build. He was wearing blue tracksuit bottoms and a fleece top.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC Moss on (01642) 302626.