A PLUCKY petrol station boss wrestled with a raider he found stealing cigarettes from a delivery van.

The manager spotted the man at the back of the Esso petrol station in Habberley, pulling boxes of cigarettes and tobacco out of the van's cages.

The thief was handing the boxes to his two accomplices, who were putting them in a dark estate car.

The manager grabbed hold of him, but despite his efforts, the raider struggled free and escaped with his two accomplices.

They then drove off down the Franche Road in the direction of Kidderminster town centre.

Three boxes containing 50 packs of 200 cigarettes and other tobacco products were taken from the van.

All three raiders were described as black. One was 5ft 10ins tall, and of medium build. He was wearing a light grey hooded top, with the hood pulled up over his head.

The second was slightly taller and was wearing a dark coloured hooded top

No information on the third man is available.

The last three letters of the registration number on the estate car were NRK.

Kidderminster police are now hunting the trio, who struck at 10.40am last Tuesday.

They are appealing for anyone who has any information to contact them on 01562 820888 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.