POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a heavily pregnant woman was thrown on to the bonnet of her own car as she tried to stop a thief stealing it.

The unnamed woman was hit by the BMW 320D and carried along the street for several metres after trying to prevent the man taking it from her driveway in Cleveland Road, South Woodford on Wednesday, December 23.

The 33-year-old, who is six months pregnant, eventually tumbled off the car, as the thief sped off at about 11.30am.

She is believed to have been inside the house when she spotted the man - who is described as white, clean-shaven and aged between 28 and 32 - trying to drive off in the car, and ran out to confront him.

The woman was taken to hospital but neither she or her unborn baby are thought to be seriously injured.

The thief had short 'floppy' brown hair and was wearing a white top at the time of the incident.

The stolen vehicle was grey with the registration number: EY07 LMX.

A police spokeswoman said: "Officers would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have seen the car or been offered a vehicle of similar description for sale.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Redbridge Police on: 0300 123 1212 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on: 0800 555 111.