A MAN who was seriously injured when he tried to stop thieves raiding his business said last night he would do the same again.

Company boss Chris Hields is recovering at his Teesside home after two weeks in hospital following the attack last month.

The incident left the 53-year-old, from Ingleby Barwick, with a fractured skull, a fractured eye socket and hip injuries.

The attack took place at the family business, C A Hields (Engineering), on Durham Lane Industrial Estate, Eaglescliffe.

Mr Hields was at work when he saw three people loading alloy steel from the works compound into the boot of their car - a grey J-registration Vauxhall Astra.

He ran towards the men as they climbed into their car, picking up a metal frame and throwing it down in front of the car.

But the men drove at him, knocking him over.

Mr Hields picked himself up and confronted the men again. But when they drove at him a second time, he fell and struck his head on a concrete kerb.

The car was left at the scene, and the men fled on foot, leaving Mr Hields unconscious in a pool of blood.

But despite conceding that he was lucky to be alive, Mr Hields said he would do the same again.

He said: "I think you have got to take a stand against these sorts of things - you can't just lie down.

"I certainly don't want to put my life at risk, but I will take all measures I can to stop people stealing mine or anyone else's property."

Looking towards his return to work, he said: "I am quite frustrated by the fact it is going to take me so long.

"These people have caused me this aggravation.

"I can't get back to work and I feel really frustrated by that."

Two men in their early 20s and a 19-year-old man were arrested in connection with the crime and released on police bail.

Police would like to speak to anyone who was at the industrial estate at 11am, on Saturday, March 18, and saw the car.

Witnesses are asked to call (01642) 302233 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.