A MAN battled with a thief he caught stealing his path.

The thief was helping himself to stone paving flags when the 53-year- old man found him outside his home on Halifax Road in Edgerton at 1.25pm on Monday.

The thief was loading the stones into a white Ford Escort estate, registration number P779 KNF.

The victim tried to grab the car keys from the thief to stop him escaping, but he managed to get in and drove away.

The thief was described as white, in his late 20s, 5ft 5in and muscular with black cropped hair that was thinning on top. He had stubble and spoke with a Yorkshire accent.

Anyone who recognises him or the car should call Pc Michael Retford on 01484 436659.