AnPost - Postman is run over as joyrider hijacks his van

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A POSTMAN was lucky to escape with his life when he was run over by a youth who stole his delivery van.

The shocked An Post employee was left with severe cuts to his left arm, as well as injuries to his legs and feet.

The van demolished a wall and was driven over the postman's feet as the youth escaped and went on a 30-minute joyride.

Gardai dispatched at least six cars and their helicopter.

The drama unfolded at around 9.30am yesterday as the postman was delivering a parcel at the quiet cul-de-sac of Rosse Grove in Lucan, west Dublin.

"My doorbell rang and when I answered it the postman had a parcel for my neighbour, but there was nobody to accept it, so he asked if I would take it," said local woman Sumaiya Nowshia.

"I signed for it and said goodbye, and about two seconds after I closed the door I could hear banging outside, and then there was banging on my door.

"I opened the door a second time and the postman was holding his arm, which was bleeding heavily, and asked me to ring 999," Ms Sumaiya said.

"I got him a towel for his arm but the bleeding was coming out over it.

"His other arm was scratched and his knees were bruised, and his feet were sore because they had been run over."

It is thought the keys were in the ignition of the van as the postman delivered the parcel, and the vehicle was stolen on impulse.

The youth who stole it had to reverse the van to get away, and demolished a wall as he did so.

It was at this point that the postman tried to stop him and received his injuries.

The badly damaged van was found shortly after 10am in the Mooretown area of Dunshaughlin, Co Meath. A 17-year-old youth was arrested nearby.

The postman was treated at Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown; the arrested youth was taken to Lucan Garda Station for questioning.

An Post said it was working with the gardai on the matter. "We ask anyone with any information to come forward to help the gardai," it added.

Gardai are appealing for witnesses or anyone who was in the area of Rosse Court or Grove between 9am and 9.30am, and Dunshaughlin Village, Co Meath, between 10am and 11am, to contact them at Lucan Garda Station on 01-6667300.

They can also contact the Garda Confidential Line 1-800-666111 or any garda station.