A DESCRIPTION has been released by the police of the man wanted for an attempted carjacking in Bolton, which seriously injured one man. 

The offender is described as a white man, in his late teens or early twenties, of slim build, around 5ft 10in to 6ft tall and with short dark hair.

He attempted to steal the white Ford Transit van belonging to Paul Swindells, aged 24, who was putting up for sale signs for Countrywide Signs. 

Mr Swindells heard someone getting in the drivers seat of his van, which Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have said had the keys in the ignition.

In a statement today, GMP said Mr Swindells managed grab hold of the open driver’s side door in attempt to stop the thief, who is described as wearing grey shorts, a black t-shirt and black Adidas jacket.

A man was left with multiple broken bones after being pulled under his van and dragged down the road by a thief attempted to steal his vehicle. 

GMP said Mr Swindells was pulled under the van and dragged along Erskine Close for a distance of around 50 feet, before the offender abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.

Police were called to the scene shortly before 12.45pm on Saturday, June 3.

Mr Swindells was treated by paramedics for several injuries, described by GMP as serious, including a number of broken bones. 

He was airlifted to Royal Preston Hospital and placed in intensive care. 

Earlier today, Mr Swindells, from Walton-le-Dale, was released from intensive care but remains in hospital. 

Mr Swindells, is a drummer with band, Dennis Delight, his bandmates have vowed not to play again until he has recovered. 

Detective Inspector John Mulvihill, of GMP’s Bolton Borough, said: “This opportunistic thief has done far more damage than simply trying to steal someone’s van. This man could have quite easily lost his life.

“We are still in the early stages of this investigation but we’re already following a number of lines of enquiry to identify the man responsible for this appalling act of violence.

“I would urge anyone who witnessed the incident or who recognises the description of the offender to come forward. You could hold vital information.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 0961, 101 quoting incident number 1087 of 03/06/17 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.