Police are hunting thieves who stole a delivery driver's van before running him down and attempting to steal his cargo.
The theft took place at around 11am on Thursday as the driver made drop-offs on Elemore Lane, in Easington Lane.
As the man delivered a parcel, the suspects got into the vehicle before running him down and fleeing the scene.
Paramedics were called and treated the delivery driver for minor injuries at the scene.
The vehicle has since been recovered and police are now searching for the suspect after finding the vehicle abandoned in the East Rainton area.
A Northumbria Police spokeswoman said: “Shortly after 11am on Thursday we received a report of a suspected hit and run on Elemore Lane, in Easington Lane.
“It was reported that a delivery driver was delivering a parcel in the area when offenders gained entry to his vehicle which had been left empty momentarily.
“The van then collided with the victim, who suffered minor injuries, before the occupants made off from the scene.
“Enquiries are ongoing to trace the occupants. Anyone with information is asked to contact us via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website quoting log 319 230420.”
A North East Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “We sent a double crew ambulance and treated and discharged a male at the scene with minor injuries.”
