Laptop thief kills have-a-go hero

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A have-a-go hero who attempted to stop a thief stealing laptops from a college was killed after the would-be robber mowed him down in a car.

Charles Tandy, 56, a trainee college lecturer from Birmingham, spotted a man trying to make off with college equipment and, having prevented the theft, gave chase as the robber tried to get back to his Toyota car. He was joined in his chase by fellow lecturer Leslie Hillstead.

In the car park, Tandy attempted to stop the robber making his escape by attempting to pull him out of the vehicle in what police described as a "fairly violent struggle".

The thief reversed his red Toyota, sending Tandy and Hilstead sprawling to the ground. He then drove over both men and made his escape.

Tandy died of his injuries after he was taken to Heartlands Hospital from the EFF Technical Training Centre in the Tyseley area of Birmingham. Hillstead suffered serious crush injuries to both legs as a result of the crime on Monday.

West Midlands Police have begun a murder inquiry and forensic scientists are examining the college's car park in an attempt to find clues.

Tandy leaves behind a wife, a 26 year-old son and 29 year-old daughter.

Acting Detective Superintendent Graham Bennett praised Tandy's bravery but said anyone face with a similar situation to call the police before attempting to stop a thief. ®