SHOCKED people watched in horror as a security van raced through their York village on two wheels - driven by a teenager who had managed to grab the keys.

The keys to the ranger patrol vehicle fell from the driver's pocket after he confronted a gang of young people in New Earswick.

A teenage boy grabbed them and jumped into the white van before driving off at high speed through the quiet village.

The Mayfair Security van was found 20 minutes later dumped in a nearby field after security chiefs activated a hidden electronic tracking device.

Police officers are now studying CCTV footage from a roof-mounted camera in an effort to identify the culprit.

The dramatic incident took place as police and security staff attempt to crack down on antisocial behaviour in New Earswick. One eyewitness, who lives in the village, said she saw the van speed down Haxby Road just before 11pm last Wednesday.

She said: "I saw the security van coming around the corner on two wheels. I tried to call the 0800 Mayfair number on the side but no one answered the phone.

"These kids are literally taking the Michael. Some said they thought that Mayfair driver was acting like a joyrider - then it turns out it was one."

Ian Crawford, Mayfair Security general manager, said the vehicle was recovered very quickly and had not suffered any damage.

He said: "We have got real time tracking systems on the vehicle and as soon as it went missing we knew where it was. We found it dumped in a nearby field.

"The driver had got in to a problem with some young children and the keys fell out of his pocket as he was dealing with the incident. One of them then grabbed the keys and drove down the street.

"We have the video from the vehicle and have passed it on to the police. We have a picture of the youth as he got in the vehicle."

A York Police spokesman confirmed that the incident had been reported. He said investigations into the incident are ongoing. No arrests have been made.

chris.greenwood@ycp.co.uk

Updated: 10:27 Tuesday, November 02, 2004