A BRAZEN car thief took only three hours to "trade" up from a Transit van to an Audi TT sports car.

He sped off in the Audi after arranging a test drive at a garage - leaving a stolen Volkswagen Bora behind.

Police said that the man grabbed the keys and jumped into the Audi - registration DA04 SZC at the Reg Vardy dealership in Yarm Road, Stockton.

The salesman ran into the path of the car and tried to force him to stop, but had to leap to safety when it became clear the driver was not going to brake.

The theft took place on Monday, at 5.15pm.

The VW Bora was taken in similar circumstances when the man turned up at the home of a private seller in Thornley, near Peterlee, County Durham, and asked for a test drive.

The same VW was involved in a collision in Westbury Street, Thornaby, shortly before the Audi was taken. The driver failed to stop.

The same man is thought to have gone to test drive a Ford Transit van in County Durham two or three hours earlier.

He failed to return with the van and that was left behind when he disappeared in the VW Bora.

Detective Sergeant Ashley Harvey, of Stockton police, said: "On this occasion, the car salesman had to jump clear of the car as it was taken. Fortunately, he was not injured.

"The man was very bold in his actions and it's possible that he may well try the same again. Anyone selling a car, either privately or through a business should be aware of this and be guarded when it comes to handing over keys to any potential buyers."

The man is described as white, about 6ft, and in his late 20s. He had a skinny build, scruffy appearance and discoloured teeth, with a gap in the middle. He was wearing cream trousers.

Anyone who has any information is asked to contact Stockton CID on (01642) 302210 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.