What happened was terrible but he was lucky - It could have been his head

Jonathan Henley, business partner

He was recovering at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, after surgery on a broken leg.

Mechanics had been working on the vehicle, a Peugeot 306, which has yet to be recovered.

Jonathan Henley, the injured man's business partner, said: "Denis leaned through the window to try and pull the keys out but one of the men punched him in the face.

"He fell to the floor and the men drove over his arms and legs.

"What happened was terrible but he was lucky - It could have been his head."

South Wales Police have launched an investigation into the incident.

The stolen car was a grey Peugeot 306

It is being carried out by the Eastern Traffic Sector office, based in Cardiff Bay.

Officers are appealing for information about the incident, or if anyone has seen the vehicle, a grey Peugeot 306, registration number N590 SKG.

One of the thieves was white, slim, aged between 20 and 25, with short brown hair and a large nose.

He was wearing a grey anorak with yellow piping and beige cords.

Anyone with information is asked to call South Wales Police on 02920 222 111 and ask for Eastern Traffic Sector.