A WORKMAN is appealing for the return of his stolen van after he was left unable to work.

Thieves struck at Bromley Cross on Tuesday evening, making Jason McManus the latest victim of a spate of vehicle thefts in the area.

Mr McManus, 52, of Queen's Avenue, left the works van nearby.

He said: "I'd parked the van up but at about 4.45pm I went out to get something from it. When I looked out at 5.20pm it had gone."

He added: "There was no broken glass lying around or anything, and I didn't hear any vehicles speeding off."

Mr McManus said the van contained the two personal tool sets belonging to him and his colleague, valued at around £5,000.

"There was also a lot of floor-laying equipment in the back worth around £3,000, so that's gone too."

The silver Ford Transit Custom van's registration is MD15 WDZ.

It belonged to Swinton-based Premier Flooring Solutions.

Mr McManus said: "Fortunately, work has been very understanding. I was unable to go out on jobs on Tuesday but hey have got me a replacement van so I'll be able to be back at work on Tuesday."

It is not known if the theft was opportunistic or whether those responsible had targeted Mr Mcmanus.

Anybody with information about the theft or location of the van, or who may have seen it, should contact police on 101.

Alternately, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.