A PLUCKY Ipswich security guard has today told how a shoplifter drove his car at him and carried him on his bonnet for several metres before finally throwing him off.

A PLUCKY Ipswich security guard has today told how a shoplifter drove his car at him and carried him on his bonnet for several metres before finally throwing him off.

Sainsbury security guard Vincent Edwards said he was forced to jump on the bonnet of the Vauxhall Omega after the thief drove at him during the chase in the Hadleigh Road store car park.

The 36-year-old gave chase after the crook, seen on these CCTV images, attempted to steal £450 of booze, including Champagne and Cognac from the store.

He said it was like a scene out of a movie as the thief sped up and flung him off the bonnet as he raced away.

And despite suffering with injuries to his knee and to ligaments in his arm, Mr Edwards said he did not need hospital treatment and carried on working until the end of his shift.

Mr Edwards, who lives in Rushmere, said he had no choice but to jump on the bonnet because the thief was about to run him down.

He said: “I do go that extra mile for my job and I have got it into my head that these guys aren't going to get away.

“He (the thief) managed to get in his car, lock the doors and start the engine. I was in front of the car and I had to jump on the bonnet, I had no choice because he was going to run me down.

“He sped up and flung me off at the side of the road about half way down the car park - it was like something out of a film.

“I couldn't believe the guy was trying to get away still.”

The man entered the store about 5pm on October 24 and headed straight for the alcohol section.

He then loaded bags in his trolley with booze, pushing the trolley out of the store without paying.

Mr Edwards said it is not the first-time he has gone beyond the call of duty during his 12-year career at the store.

About three or four years ago, he and a manager were threatened with a gun when they confronted a man stealing alcohol.

Mr Edwards tackled the man and restrained him until police firearms officers arrived at the scene.

He said he has also been threatened with knives and hypodermic needles while at work and said the level of retail crime is getting worse.

Police today released e-fit pictures of the man they believe is responsible for driving at Mr Edwards.

He is white, mid to late 40s, 5ft 4in, with dark receding hair and a tattoo on his left forearm. He had a London accent and was wearing a pale blue polo shirt and dark blue trousers.

Anyone with information should call Pc Craig Stock at Ipswich police on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Do you know anyone who has gone beyond the call of duty? Write to: Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail: eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

Weblinks: www.suffolk.police.uk; www.eveningstar.co.uk/news