A DELIVERY driver was subject to a shocking "assault and robbery" yesterday afternoon, with his van taken and driven away at high speed.

At around 1.35pm on Tuesday an Amazon delivery driver was assaulted by a male at the junction of Park Road North and High Street in Newton-le-Willows.

It is believed that the suspect may have approached the driver in a silver Vauxhall Vectra car.

After the driver got out of his vehicle, it is reported that the suspect assaulted him and took his van, driving off at high speed down High Street towards Haydock Island.

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Shocked residents reported witnessing the assault with the delivery left "dreadfully shaken up" by the incident.

The van was later recovered by police on Penny Lane in Macclesfield, Cheshire.

No injuries were reported and detectives are working to establish if any stock from the van was stolen.

An investigation has been opened into the incident, including CCTV and house-to-house enquiries to locate the suspect, who is described as white male, wearing an orange t-shirt and a black cap.

Detective Chief Inspector John Fitzgerald said: “Although thankfully not injured, this will have been a shocking experience for the victim.

"To be robbed and assaulted while you are working is despicable and we will do all we can to find the person responsible and bring them to justice."

Any one with any information, CCTV or dashcam footage is asked to contact the police at @MerPolCC on Twitter, ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook or call 101 quoting reference 22000601564.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.