A PREGNANT mum-of-one was left fearing for her unborn child when a thief drove into her as she tried to stop him stealing her car.

Suzy Haven, of Cleveland Road, South Woodford, was loading her BMW with Christmas gifts to deliver to friends and family in the area when a man jumped in to the driver's seat as she walked back in to the house to get something.

When she saw what had happened the 33-year-old - who is six months pregnant - stood in the way of the car to stop the thief driving off, but the thug simply ploughed straight into her, carrying her on the bonnet for several metres before she tumbled off into the road.

The former Forest School pupil was left bruised and dazed on the ground after the incident, and immediately feared for her baby's safety.

She said: "I was just lying there in the street. I was obviously really worried about the baby.

"I couldn't believe it when he drove at me. I was shocked. I didn't think he would do that.

"I can't remember how long I was on the bonnet for.

"Thankfully George (her son, aged 15 months) was not in the car at the time."

Luckily, Ms Haven had friends in the house at the time. An ambulance was called and she was taken to Whipps Cross University Hospital for treatment.

She told of her relief when medical staff said her baby was fine.

She said: "That was obviously my main concern. I was so worried.

"I have bruises all over me, but thankfully we are both ok."

Ms Haven said the theft of the vehicle, at about 11.30am on Wednesday, December 23, ruined the family's plans for Christmas.

She said: "We had planned to go to my husband's parents' in Wales but couldn't get there without the car.

"It was a big disappointment for us.

"The police have been really helpful and supportive so I'd like to thank them for that."

The man who stole the car is described as white, clean-shaven and aged between 28 and 32 with floppy brown hair and was wearing a white top at the time of the incident.

The stolen vehicle - a grey BMW 320D - had 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.