An 82-year-old filling station owner was rushed to hospital after trying to tackle two vehicles that drove off without paying.

Fred Wood of Wood’s Garage, Clipstone, Nottinghamshire, was hit by a Ford Fiesta driven by a teenager. Another Fiesta, again driven by a teenager, had driven onto the forecourt at the same time.

After both cars had filled their tanks with petrol, they attempted to leave without paying. The cars drove off, as Fred approached, and he was knocked to the ground, suffering a broken arm and shock. He was later released from hospital, and a police appeal has gone out for witnesses.