A DELIVERY driver who was robbed at gunpoint by a thug who leapt into his van at a set of traffic lights - has warned other motorists to stay calm if faced with a similar situation.

Jamie Ward, 42, had a handgun held against his head and was forced to drive to a secluded alleyway behind a row of shops by the robber, who launched the attack opposite The Eagle pub in Snaresbrook on Thursday May 20.

The father-of-two, who was delivering boilers for a plumbing supplies company at the time, was told to take his trousers off by the gunman who then drove off in the Mercedes Sprinter van - leaving Mr Ward to wander into the High Street in his boxer shorts.

The former doorman - who eventually found help after making his way to Snaresbrook Crown Court - said drivers should try to avoid panicking if threatened in the same way.

He said: "It's hard to stay calm when you've got a gun held at your head. But you've got to do it.

"It's when you panic that you get problems.

"At the time I just kept as calm as I could. I've had knives waved at me before when I used to do the doors - but a gun is different altogether.

"I was a bit confused when he asked me to take my trousers off. I thought 'if he tries anything funny here he's going to have to start shooting.'

"It would worry you a bit. Being asked to take your trousers off by a bloke in an alleyway. There was no way I was going to let that happen.

"What it's brought home is that you need to keep your windows and doors shut when you stop, and try to stay alert to what's going on around you."

Mr Ward, who returned to work the day after the attack - which took place at about 9.45am - said he got some funny looks from members of the public.

He said: "I asked someone where the nearest police station was but when they saw I didn't have any trousers on I think they thought I was mad.

"I suppose (the gunman) took them to slow me down or something.

"When I got to the crown court I queued up to get in at the metal detectors, and got a few strange looks from people."

The van Mr Ward was driving has yet to be recovered.

The gunman is described as white and was wearing a grey hooded top at the time of the attack.

Anyone with information should call Redbridge CID on: 8345 2727.