THUGS dragged a driver out of his car on to the road during a violent car-jacking.

Car fanatic Stuart Fielding was pulled from the driver seat of his Toyota MR2 as he waited at traffic lights.

One man opened the passenger door and climbed inside the car while his accomplice unfastened Mr Fielding's seatbelt and attacked him.

The Stoneclough man was thrown backwards out of the car and left lying in the road on Plodder Lane, Farnworth.

He then watched helpless as the thieves sped off in his car.

Mr Fielding said: "The whole incident happened so fast. It was all over in a split second.

"It was very quick and left me terrified. What sort of conscience do these people have?"

The robbery is all the more painful for Mr Fielding as he has spent £15,000 over the years improving the car.

The two-seater coupe is a Japanese import that cannot be bought in the UK and the turbo engine is 400 horsepower.

Mr Fielding said: "I've put a lot of time and money into that car. It's become a major hobby. Next time, I'm definitely going to install a tracker machine.. The chances are that the car won't be seen again. I'm gutted because I've put a lot of time and money into that car."

He has taken the car to numerous car shows around the country where he meets up with fellow enthusiasts.

The Toyota has featured at the Tatton Park Car Show in Knutsford, Cheshire. Messages have been posted on car forum websites on the internet in the hope that another motorist may spot his car.

The car has been the target of thieves over the years.

Last year, he was chased by men driving a Nova and his Toyota was approached on another occasion, further down Plodder Lane, as he waited at traffic lights.

Detectives are still appealing for witnesses to the raid that happened at around 9.15pm on Thursday.

Inspector Martin Freschini said: "We would ask anyone who saw this car-jacking, or who saw anything suspicious, to come forward and contact us."

Anyone with information is asked to call Bolton CID on 0161 856 5740.

MISSING: Stuart Fielding's Toyota MR2