Surrey Police is appealing for witnesses after a man was robbed of his vehicle in Bletchingley.

The offence took place around 8pm on Tuesday, 19th February, when the man was sat in his parked car out side the Post Office on Bletchingley High Street.

The offender initially asked the victim for a lift to Godstone, the man refused but said he would get the offender details of a taxi company and left his vehicle to do so. On returning to his vehicle the victim was punched three times in the head causing him to fall to the ground and giving the offender chance to take the car keys.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Colin Snell from Reigate CID, said: "This was not just a terrifying ordeal for the victim which will stay with him for some time but his vehicle was damaged during the incident which will be of great financial loss to him.

"This type of behaviour is completely unacceptable and a thorough investigation is taking place to ensure the person responsible is brought to justice.”

The car, a red Nissan Micra, was found damaged and abandoned later the same evening by officers in Godstone.

Officers believe the stolen car was driven to Godstone, up Godstone Hill, passed the Shell Petrol Station and then back down Godstone Hill before being abandoned in Catlin Gardens. The car appeared to have a flat tyre for part of the journey and sparks were seen to come off the vehicle due to the rim running along the road.

The offender is described as a white man, around 5ft 10in tall with short ginger hair. He was wearing jeans and a light coloured jumper.

Since the offence took place local officers from the Tandridge Safer Neighbourhood Team have assisted detectives with their investigation by holding a neighbourhood surgery in the high street and carrying out house to house enquiries.

Anyone who witnessed the robbery in Bletchingley, the stolen car being driven by the offender, or the offender abandon it in Godstone, is urged to contact Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference TD/13/843 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.