A MILKMAN is appealing for help after he was attacked and had his van stolen half way through his round this morning.

Ben Edwards was delivering milk in Tottington Road in Harwood at 4am when thieves targeted him and took his white VW Caddy Maxi.

After one of the thieves punched him in the face, they took Mr Edwards' keys and drove off in his van, followed by a red Seat Leon Cupra.

Mr Edwards, aged 25, said:  "They came out of nowhere, it was terrifying.

"There were two of them, but I did not get a good look at them because it was dark."

Mr Edwards says police have been informed of the theft.

Following the incident, he took to social media to let his customers know why they will not be getting their milk this morning.

In a social media post he states: "Apologies to any of my customers who is affected.

"Unfortunately, as my phone has been taken with it I have no way of contacting customers to let them know.

"I will be doing the rounds tonight but apologies to any affected."

He also asked people to be on the lookout for the van, registration FY62 CTU, and the thieves' red coloured Seat, which has a registration beginning RD14.

Mr Edwards added: "This seriously affects my livelihood so if anyone has seen anything or has any information please let me know."