A MURDER hunt has been launched after a delivery driver from Kent was run over and killed trying to stop two men stealing his truck.

Ian Jones, 44, from Park Cottages, Hawkhurst, had been delivering goods to a branch of Curry's in Hall Lane, Chingford, Essex, just before 1pm yesterday.

As Mr Jones went inside to tell staff of his arrival he noticed a white Ford Transit van pulling into the store's service area and then heard the sound of his lorry being started.

Mr Jones ran over and stood in front of the vehicle in a bid to stop the robbery, but the suspects ignored him and mowed him down.

He suffered serious injuries and was declared dead less than half an hour later at North Middlesex Hospital.

The stolen lorry, which had the red Dixons logo on the side, made off down Hall Lane followed by the box van. Both trucks were later found abandoned.

A post mortem examination was due to take place today at Walthamstow Mortuary.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Metropolitan Police incident room on 0208 3453437 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.