A TERRIFIED woman motorist was dragged to the street in Congleton as a man hijacked her car in broad daylight.

The attack happened at around 12.45 on Friday lunchtime near to a children's nursery on Chapel Street.

A Cheshire Police spokesman said: "A 49-year-old local woman attended the nursery to deliver some property to staff there.

"She parked her car outside with the keys still in the ignition and the engine running and entered the nursery.

"On delivering the property she returned to her car and had just sat down in the seat when a man approached her from the side.

"He grabbed hold of her and pulled her out of the vehicle and onto the road. He entered the car and drove off in the direction of Biddulph."

The offender is described as a white man in his mid-20s, of average build with dark brown hair, stubble and he has a tanned complexion.

The car stolen was a red Ford Fiesta, registration number N772XOK.

The police spokesman added: "The victim was left in a very shaken state and suffered slight injuries during the incident.

"Police would like to appeal to any members of the public who may have been in the vicinity at the time to come forward."

Case investigator Detective Jim Boulton said he was about to interview a witness.

He added: "It does appear that this was an opportunistic crime, although without knowing the intent it is impossible to say for sure.

"Unfortunately the woman was extremely traumatised by the ordeal."

Anyone who can help, or who may be able to identify the attacker should call DC Boulton at Congleton CID on 01244 613534.

Alternatively people can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.