A MAN was threatened with a hammer after he caught two thieves red-handed raiding his work van.

The contractor, who works for Refurb and Renovate, is now appealing for witnesses after the incident, which took place in broad daylight on Monday.

Phil Mayes took to social media in a bid to track down anyone who may have information about the incident.

He said: “My van was broken into at a new build site in School Avenue, Laindon.

“I caught them going through my van so I stopped them but they threatened me with a hammer and then drove off.

“They both spoke with Irish accents – one of them was in his mid 20s. He was white and had ginger hair. He was wearing a dark jacket, black combats and a black cap.

“The second guy was in his late 50s and was wearing a grey top and black bottoms.

“He had grey hair was was also wearing a cap.

“The second man was the one with the hammer.

“They were driving a white Volkswagen Caddy with 07/08 plates and the police told me they have been trying to get these guys for some time.”

Mr Mayes said, despite the threats, he was able seize back the items the two men had stolen from his van before they fled the scene, just after 10am.

Essex Police are now investigating and have urged witnesses to come forward if they can help their enquiries.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We received reports of a theft from a motor vehicle in School Avenue, Basildon, on January 28. At around 10.10am, the victim, a man aged in his 40s, suspected two men were trying to break into his van.

“He confronted them and was threatened with what is believed to be a hammer.

“His wallet was retrieved in the process and it is not believed that anything else was taken.

“The two men left the scene in a VW Caddy.

“Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information should call Essex Police on 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/14903/19.”

Information can also be passed to independent crimefighting charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Alternatively, you can share information with Crimestoppers online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information-online.