THE son of a pensioner mown down in the road as he tried to stop two thieves stealing his car has condemned the crime.

Albert Dearden is lucky to be alive after he was catapulted over the bonnet of his Rover Metro as it was driven deliberately at him on Saturday evening.

Widower Mr Dearden, aged 77, of Glynne Street, Farnworth, sustained a fractured skull and severe leg injuries and is recovering in Bolton General Hospital.

His son, Arthur, of Newport Street, Farnworth, said that fortunately his father was "now on the mend."

Mr Dearden, 54, said: "We live in a society where someone would mug a pensioner for a £1. "My father cannot remember the incident and I think that might be a good thing.

"All he can remember is going to the Horseshoe pub in Ringley to celebrate Lancashire's win over Essex. He can even recall the score."

Mr Dearden says his father is a private and independent man: "He always likes to do things at set times, so someone could have been watching him."

The incident happened at 10.15pm on Saturday, as the pensioner stopped his maroon J-registration car to open the doors of his garage on Lonsdale Grove.

Two men appeared out of the shadows and jumped into his car and started to drive away.

He ran into the middle of the road but the thieves drove straight at him then raced from the scene.

Both men are white, with dark hair, medium build, and about 5ft 8ins tall.

Detectives are appealing for anyone who can help to contact them on 0161 872 5050.

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