A GOOD samaritan was injured trying to stop thieves driving off in Brightlingsea.

Shortly before 11am today police were called to York Road, Brightlingsea, following reports of two men stealing bags from outside a home.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "A woman in her 40s saw the men and attempted to retrieve the bags.

"She sustained minor injuries from the struggle."

The Citroen van. registration Y436CCL, made off in the direction of Elmstead.

The men are aged in their thirties and were wearing tracksuit bottoms and are quite tanned.

The driver of the van is slightly overweight.

Officers are searching for the van.

Anyone with information call Essex Police on 101.