Waterlooville man in hospital after being hit over the head with crowbar as he tackles gang breaking into Ford Transit

The 37-year-old was attack when he confronted three men who had broken into a Ford Transit in Wincanton Way, Waterlooville, between 9pm and 9.15pm last night. 

A 37-year-old woman was punched in the face by one of the gang. 

Police say that the weapon used to hit the man was possibly a crowbar and that he is being treated at Southampton General Hospital for a serious head injury. His condition is described as serious, but stable.

The woman was punched in the face and was left with minor injuries.

The three men drove off in a small car, which had the boot open. One of the men was in the boot when they drove away.

There are descriptions of two of the three men, both of whom were thin and white.

The first wore a grey hooded top and had his face covered by a scarf. He was also wearing a baseball cap under the hooded top.

The second was driving the car the men left in. He was 5ft 8in, in his late teens, and wore a grey hooded top over a baseball cap and had his face covered.

Chief Insp Alex Reading said: ‘We are carrying out detailed enquiries into this serious assault, which is a very rare incident in this area. The Neighbourhood Policing Team will be regularly patrolling and speaking to residents.

‘Anyone with concerns can speak to detectives conducting enquiries in the area or uniformed members of our Neighbourhood Policing Team.

‘We are keen to hear from anyone with CCTV which may help us to identify the three men, or anyone who was in the area at around 9pm, who saw what happened. The car the men drove away in had the boot open and they may have stopped to close it. Did you see this?’

If you saw the men or have any information please call 101 quoting reference 44190046666.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting the same reference