A HAVE-A-GO-HERO came to the aid of a car mechanic whose van was stolen from under his nose as he worked on a customer's car.

The mystery man saw what happened and gave chase but the thief got away, leaving mobile mechanic John Bulmer's livelihood in tatters.

John, who lost valuable tools as well as his 'Home Tune' van, said: "The first thing I knew was when I heard my engine start up while I was under the bonnet of a customer's car. I looked up and saw my van being driven off up Kingsway in Widnes with the tail-gate flapping open.

"A passer-by saw what happened and picked me up, saying 'don't worry, I think another car is also following them' but we lost sight of both my van and the BMW convertible," John said.

The incident happened on Friday, March 26 at 3.30pm.

John's white Ford transit van with blue and red logo was parked on a grass verge between Widnes police station and traffic lights, near to Simms Cross primary school.

The thief, described as a male, aged about 18-years, with short, cropped hair, a gaunt face and thin build, sped off up Kingsway before doing a u-turn by the Liverpool Road junction and heading back towards the town centre.

"All my tools and equipment, my livelihood have gone," a distraught John said. "I can't believe it.

"Everyone round here knows what my van looks like so hopefully it will turn up. I am offering a reward for information leading to the recovery of my vehicle."

Police are calling on witnesses to contact their proactive vehicle crime unit on 01244-614705.